Spicy Latin-Style Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Sauce

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a spicy blend of Latin American spices, served with a zesty cilantro lime sauce for a refreshing finish. This latin american (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 20 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 medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk together to form a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each) to the marinade, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the cilantro lime sauce by blending 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 small chopped jalapeño in a food processor until smooth and creamy; refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Step 4: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with 2-3 tbsp of the cilantro lime sauce per chicken breast for a fresh, spicy finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Latin-Style Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Latin-Style Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Latin-Style Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Sauce?

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 Spicy Latin-Style Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Sauce 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.

Is Spicy Latin-Style Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Sauce gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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