Zesty Mexican Chicken

Get ready to spice up your dinner table with this vibrant and flavorful Zesty Mexican Chicken recipe! Juicy, boneless chicken breasts are marinated in a tangy blend of fresh lime juice, olive oil, and a melody of smoky spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, balanced with a hint of honey for subtle sweetness. Infused with the bold kick of jalapeño and garnished with fresh cilantro, this dish is perfect for grilling or skillet cooking, creating a tender, zest-filled bite in just 40 minutes. Whether served with rice and beans, wrapped in warm tortillas, or atop a refreshing salad, this protein-packed, gluten-free recipe delivers authentic Mexican-inspired taste that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining, this quick and easy recipe is a must-try for fans of bold, citrusy flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 whole lime
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 small jalapeño pepper
• 1 tablespoon honey

Directions

Step 1

Juice the limes into a small bowl. Set aside half of the lime juice for later use.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the other half of the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and honey. Whisk to create a marinade.

Step 3

Finely chop the jalapeño pepper (remove seeds for less heat) and the cilantro. Stir them into the marinade.

Step 4

Add the chicken breasts to the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 5

Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pan to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 7

Brush the reserved lime juice over the chicken during the last minute of cooking for an extra burst of zesty flavor.

Step 8

Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.

Step 9

Serve the Zesty Mexican Chicken garnished with additional chopped cilantro, if desired, and enjoy with sides like rice, beans, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	910.8 grams (910.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1547

Total Fat 54.30g	70%
Saturated Fat 11.40g	57%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 592mg	197%
Sodium 2934mg	128%
Total Carbohydrate 39.40g	14%
Dietary Fiber 6.70g	24%
Total Sugars 20.30g
Protein 218.30g	437%

Vitamin D 7IU	35%
Calcium 164mg	13%
Iron 10mg	58%
Potassium 2111mg	45%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.2%

Protein: 57.5%

Carbs: 10.4%