Grilled Spiced Pechuga Chicken with Citrus Herb Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breast marinated with warm spices, served alongside a zesty citrus herb salsa for a vibrant flavor contrast. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends (6 oz each) skinless chicken breast, olive oil, smoked paprika 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 skinless chicken breasts and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is nicely charred and juicy.
  3. Step 3: While chicken grills, combine 1/3 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1 minced small jalapeño in a bowl. Stir well to create a bright citrus herb salsa.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve each breast topped generously with the citrus herb salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Spiced Pechuga Chicken with Citrus Herb Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Spiced Pechuga Chicken with Citrus Herb 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 Spiced Pechuga Chicken with Citrus Herb 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 Spiced Pechuga Chicken with Citrus Herb 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 Spiced Pechuga Chicken with Citrus Herb Salsa?

Latin American 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.

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