Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this sensational grilled jalapeno chicken recipe! Tender chicken thighs are infused with a vibrant, zesty marinade of lime, cilantro, and of course, fresh jalapenos. The result is a smoky, spicy, and utterly addictive main course that’s surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lively summer barbecue, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Jalapeno Chicken Recipe
This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a flavor explosion! Here’s why you’ll be making this grilled jalapeno chicken again and again:
- Bold Flavors: The tangy lime marinade perfectly complements the spicy kick of the jalapenos, creating a beautifully balanced flavor profile.
- Tender and Juicy: Marinating the chicken thighs ensures they remain incredibly tender and juicy, even after grilling.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Spice Level: Easily adjust the amount of jalapeno to suit your preferred level of heat.
- Versatile: Serve with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and some potential substitutions to suit your preferences:
- Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor. You can substitute with chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them.
- Jalapenos: 3 fresh jalapenos, seeded and minced. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. For a milder flavor, remove the membranes along with the seeds.
- Lime Juice: 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the marinade’s tanginess. Lemon juice can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist during grilling. Any neutral-flavored oil will work.
- Cilantro: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try fresh parsley.
- Garlic: 4 cloves minced garlic provide a pungent, savory flavor. Garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but fresh is always best.
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon cumin adds warmth and earthiness.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika contributes a smoky flavor. Regular paprika can be used if you don’t have smoked paprika on hand.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
How to Make Grilled Jalapeno Chicken
Follow these simple steps to create your own blazing grilled jalapeno chicken:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, jalapenos, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your grilled jalapeno chicken is a success:
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts are prone to drying out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the Spice: Taste the marinade before adding the chicken and adjust the amount of jalapeno to your liking.
- Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes is crucial for infusing it with flavor. For a more intense flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours.
- Clean Your Grill: A clean grill will prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- If you are looking for something that doesn’t involve grilling, you may want to checkout this chicken gyros recipe from Fork Haven.
Serving Suggestions
This grilled jalapeno chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Mexican rice
- Black beans
- Fresh salad with a lime vinaigrette
- Guacamole and tortilla chips
- Grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Leftover grilled jalapeno chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. For best results, add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. To reheat in the oven, wrap the chicken in foil to prevent it from drying out.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken completely before marinating.
Can I grill the chicken indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or an indoor grill.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can pan-fry the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through.
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or drumsticks, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
This Blazing Grilled Jalapeno Chicken with Tangy Lime Marinade is a guaranteed flavor sensation. The combination of spicy jalapenos, zesty lime, and tender chicken is simply irresistible. So fire up your grill and get ready to experience a taste of summer that you won’t soon forget!
Blazing Grilled Jalapeno Chicken with Tangy Lime Marinade
Ignite your taste buds with this fiery grilled jalapeno chicken! Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and fresh jalapenos, then grilled to perfection for a smoky, spicy flavor. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue. Serve with your favorite sides like grilled corn, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. The bright citrus cuts through the heat, creating a balanced and utterly addictive dish. This recipe is easily customizable – adjust the amount of jalapeno to your preferred spice level for a flavor explosion that won’t quit. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 fresh jalapenos, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, jalapenos, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the marinade.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of honey or agave nectar to the marinade. You can also use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but be careful not to overcook them. Serve with lime wedges and extra cilantro for garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 180mg