Grilled Lime-Chili Chicken with Charred Corn Salsa
Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in zesty lime and smoky chili, paired with a vibrant charred corn salsa bursting with fresh flavors. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes blends about 6 oz each chicken breasts, fresh lime juice, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, about 6 oz each chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup, fresh lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups (from about 3 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 1, diced into 1/2-inch cubes red bell pepper
- 1/2 small, finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined. Add 4 chicken breasts and coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place 2 cups fresh corn kernels directly on the grill grates or in a grill basket, turning occasionally, and cook for 6-8 minutes until the corn is charred and fragrant. Remove from grill and transfer to a bowl.
- Step 3: To the charred corn, add 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/2 finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 minced jalapeño, and 1 tbsp honey. Stir to combine and season with a pinch of salt.
- Step 4: Grill the marinated chicken breasts over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken topped with the charred corn salsa, garnishing with extra cilantro if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Lime-Chili Chicken with Charred Corn Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (40 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Lime-Chili Chicken with Charred Corn Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lime-Chili Chicken with Charred Corn Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Lime-Chili Chicken with Charred Corn Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Lime-Chili Chicken with Charred Corn Salsa?
Mexican chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
