This Lime Green Chili Chicken is a zesty dish that packs a flavorful punch! With bright lime juice and fresh green chilies, it’s sure to wake up your taste buds!
I love how quick and easy this recipe is. Just marinate, bake, and you’re ready to rock dinner! Serve it with rice, and watch it disappear in no time! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey cutlets work well too! For a more flavorful choice, try bone-in chicken thighs.
Green Chilies: I recommend serrano or jalapeño peppers for that nice heat. If you prefer less spice, go for poblano peppers or even bell peppers. Canned green chili can also be used if fresh ones are unavailable.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens this dish. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a good substitute. Dried cilantro won’t have the same impact, so opt for fresh if you can!
Lime: Fresh limes are essential for flavor. Lemon can be a substitute, but it alters the taste a bit. If you can’t find lime juice, use equal parts of lemon juice and a bit of vinegar for tang.
Chicken Broth: You can use vegetable broth or even white wine instead of chicken broth for a lighter sauce. Just avoid using water if you want more flavor!
How Do I Get the Chicken Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating is key to ensuring juicy flavor-packed chicken! Here’s how:
- Mix your marinade ingredients well; this helps the flavors combine and coat the chicken evenly.
- Marinate at least 15 minutes, but more time is better. An hour or even overnight in the fridge can really enhance the flavor.
- Baking the chicken at a steady temperature (375°F) helps it cook evenly without drying out.
- Adding chicken broth or water to the baking dish creates steam – this keeps the chicken moist while it bakes!
These tips should help you nail this recipe! Enjoy your Lime Green Chili Chicken, and don’t forget to serve it with something refreshing on the side.
How to Make Lime Green Chili Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Marinade:
- 2-3 fresh green chilies (such as jalapeños or serranos), finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Baking:
- Thin lime slices, for garnish
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lime Green Chili Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. You’ll want to marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes, but if you can let it sit longer, even better! Altogether, set aside about 1 hour for prep and cooking. It’s an easy and flavorful way to spice up your dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps to ensure your chicken cooks evenly.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together olive oil, finely chopped green chilies, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, lime juice and zest, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a flavorful marinade.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well covered. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to really soak in those fabulous flavors.
4. Add Lime Slices:
Next, arrange thin slices of lime on top of each chicken breast. This not only adds flavor but also a lovely presentation!
5. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom of the dish. This will help keep the chicken moist as it bakes. It’s a simple trick to prevent drying out!
6. Bake:
Put the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when done.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your chicken is cooked, use a spoon to drizzle some of the pan sauce over each breast before serving. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and lime slices on the side for a fresh finish!
8. Pair with Sides:
Serve your Lime Green Chili Chicken hot with rice, tortillas, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful meal with family and friends!
This recipe creates a mouthwatering dish that balances tangy lime and spicy chilies beautifully. Bon appétit!
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Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Green Chilies?
If you prefer less heat, consider using poblano peppers or even bell peppers. If you’re looking to amp up the spice, you can use serrano peppers instead. Canned green chilies are a fine alternative as well!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave gently or warm on the stove over low heat until heated through. You can add a splash of broth if the chicken seems dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This will allow the flavors to develop even more. Just be sure to bake it right before serving for the best results!
