Mexican Grilled Chicken: A Flavorful Recipe for Your Next BBQ

Mexican Grilled Chicken is a dish that never fails to impress, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home. The vibrant flavors of this recipe are a celebration of Mexican cuisine, which is known for its bold spices and fresh ingredients. I remember the first time I tasted Mexican Grilled Chicken at a local fiesta; the smoky aroma and zesty marinade instantly transported me to a sun-soaked patio in Mexico. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it a favorite among families and friends alike.

People love Mexican Grilled Chicken for its juicy texture and the perfect balance of spices that dance on your palate. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, whether served with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, or a crisp salad. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Join me as we dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to elevate your dining experience!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Marinating the Chicken

To start, I like to prepare the marinade for the chicken. This is where all the flavor comes from, so don’t skip this step!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk everything together until well blended.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for best results, marinate for 4 to 6 hours or even overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken deeply.

Preparing the Grill

While the chicken is marinating, it’s a good time to prepare the grill. I prefer using a charcoal grill for that smoky flavor, but a gas grill works just as well.

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, light the coals and let them burn until they are covered with white ash.
2. If you’re using a gas grill, turn on the burners to medium-high and close the lid for about 10 minutes to heat it up.
3. Once the grill is hot, clean the grates with a grill brush to remove any residue from previous grilling sessions. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
4. Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil, using tongs to hold it. This will help keep the chicken from sticking.

Grilling the Chicken

Now that the chicken is marinated and the grill is ready, it’s time to cook the chicken to perfection!

1. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
2. Place the chicken breasts on the grill, making sure they are spaced out to allow for even cooking.
3. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving it. This will create beautiful grill marks and help seal in the juices.
4. After 6-7 minutes, flip the chicken breasts using tongs. Grill for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can brush the chicken with some additional marinade during the last few minutes of grilling. Just make sure it’s not the marinade that touched the raw chicken.
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.

Assembling the Dish

Now that the chicken is grilled and rested, it’s time to serve it up! I love to pair this Mexican grilled chicken with fresh sides and garnishes.

1. Slice the grilled chicken breasts into strips or serve them whole, depending on your preference.
2. For a fresh touch, I like to sprinkle chopped cilantro over the chicken. It adds a burst of color and flavor!
3. Serve the chicken with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating elevates the flavors even more.
4. This grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with sides like Mexican rice

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Mexican Grilled Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their grilling game and infuse their meals with vibrant flavors. The combination of zesty lime, aromatic spices, and the smoky char from the grill creates a dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it alongside a refreshing corn salad, pile it onto warm tortillas for tacos, or slice it up for a hearty salad, the possibilities are endless. For those who want to mix things up, consider marinating the chicken overnight for an even deeper flavor or adding a touch of chipotle for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different sides, like cilantro-lime rice or grilled vegetables, to complement the dish perfectly. I encourage you to give this Mexican Grilled Chicken a try and make it your own! Once you’ve tasted the juicy, flavorful results, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, variations, and any creative twists you come up with. Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together! Happy grilling! Print

   Mexican Grilled Chicken: A Flavorful Recipe for Your Next BBQ

   

   Print Recipe

   This Mexican Grilled Chicken is marinated in a zesty mix of lime juice, garlic, and spices, then grilled to juicy perfection. Ideal for any occasion, it can be served alone or with fresh sides for a delicious meal.

   • Author: Dottie
   • Prep Time: 10 minutes
   • Cook Time: 15 minutes
   • Total Time: 25 minutes
   • Yield: 4 servings 1x

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
   • 1/4 cup olive oil
   • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
   • 1 teaspoon chili powder
   • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
   • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
   • Lime wedges (for serving)

   Instructions

   1. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk everything together until well blended.
   2. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
   3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for best results, marinate for 4 to 6 hours or even overnight.
   4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, light the coals and let them burn until covered with white ash. For a gas grill, turn on the burners to medium-high and close the lid for about 10 minutes.
   5. Clean the grill grates with a grill brush to remove any residue. Lightly oil the grates with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil.
   6. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
   7. Place the chicken on the grill, spaced out for even cooking.
   8. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving. Flip the chicken and grill for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
   9. Optionally, brush the chicken with additional marinade during the last few minutes of grilling (ensure it’s not the marinade that touched raw chicken).
   10. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
   11. Slice the grilled chicken into strips or serve whole.
   12. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the chicken for garnish.
   13. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

   Notes

   • For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
   • Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference.
   • This chicken pairs well with sides like Mexican rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.