Description
Fiesta Lime Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, soy sauce, tequila, honey, and spices. Topped with melted Mexican cheese and crunchy tortilla chips, this festive recipe delivers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and spicy notes, making it ideal for a lively weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tequila (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Other
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for grill preparation)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, tequila (if using), honey, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. Lightly spray or brush the grill grates with cooking spray or vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard the marinade. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through with a nice char. Verify it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare for Broiling: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Transfer grilled chicken onto a foil-lined baking sheet or baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Evenly sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend and crushed tortilla chips on each chicken breast.
- Broil to Melt Cheese: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top. Serve hot with sides such as rice, beans, or a garden salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, but 2 hours is sufficient if short on time.
- If you don’t have tequila, simply omit it; the marinade will still be delicious.
- Ensure the grill grates are well oiled to avoid sticking and tearing the chicken.
- Watch the chicken closely under the broiler to prevent burning the cheese and chips.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best bright and zesty flavor.
