Description
These Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and juicy dish, marinated in a tangy blend of lime juice, balsamic vinegar, chili powder, and spices, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers tender, smoky chicken with a hint of sweetness and a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 3 limes, juice and zest
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Chicken
- 12 medium boneless skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice and zest, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, vegetable oil, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Using your hands, massage the chicken pieces to ensure they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours, or for best results, overnight.
- Preheat and oil the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking, which can be done by brushing the grates with oil or using a grill brush dipped in oil carefully.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken thighs on the grill about an inch or two apart. Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: After grilling, let the chicken rest for five minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve the grilled chili lime chicken thighs with additional lime wedges on the side for extra tanginess.
Notes
- Use fresh limes for the best flavor as both juice and zest are essential to balancing the sweetness and spice.
- Lightly oiling the grill grates before cooking helps prevent the chicken from sticking and tearing.
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the meat.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it is safe to eat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
