Grilled chicken reaches new heights with this Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter. Bursting with flavors from spices and a zesty lime butter sauce, it’s perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or casual gatherings. This recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also impresses guests with its vibrant colors and delicious aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The unique blend of spices and the addition of lime butter create a flavorful punch that elevates simple grilled chicken.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or slice it for tacos, salads, or sandwiches. It’s versatile enough to fit any occasion.
- Gluten-Free Option: Enjoy this dish worry-free as it contains no gluten ingredients, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
- Feeds a Crowd: With 8 servings, this recipe is ideal for family dinners or outdoor barbecues with friends.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Gather these essential items before you start making your Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Mixing bowls
- Basting brush
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: A good grill ensures even cooking and enhances the smoky flavor of the chicken.
- Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining your seasoning paste and lime butter efficiently.
- Basting brush: Use this tool to evenly coat your chicken with the seasoning paste for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Grilled chicken doesn’t get any tastier than when it’s coated with lovely spices and topped with lime butter.
For the Chicken
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken parts
For the Lime Butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1 serrano chile, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced white onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- pinch coarse black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Paste
In a small bowl, mix the first eight ingredients until well blended. Use a spoon or basting brush to spread the seasoning paste all over the chicken parts generously.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium heat if using gas or set up indirect heat for charcoal. Place the seasoned chicken on the grill and close the lid. Grill for about 30 minutes or until fully cooked through, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 3: Make the Lime Butter
In another small bowl, combine all ingredients for the lime butter. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Drizzle over grilled chicken just before serving or serve separately in a small bowl for dipping.
Enjoy your flavorful and juicy Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter
Serving your Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter can elevate the meal experience. Here are some tasty suggestions to complement this flavorful dish.
Fresh Salads
- Cilantro Lime Rice Salad: A refreshing salad with rice, cilantro, and a zesty lime dressing adds a delightful contrast.
- Avocado Tomato Salad: Creamy avocado paired with juicy tomatoes and a sprinkle of lime creates a perfect side.
Tacos
- Chicken Tacos: Shred the grilled chicken and serve it in warm tortillas, topped with fresh salsa and lime butter for extra flavor.
- Grilled Veggie Tacos: Add grilled vegetables alongside the chicken for a colorful and nutritious addition.
Dipping Sauces
- Guacamole: This classic dip enhances the southwestern vibe. The creaminess pairs well with the spices of the chicken.
- Salsa Verde: A tangy green salsa made with tomatillos provides a bright flavor that complements the grilled chicken beautifully.
How to Perfect Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter
Perfecting your Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter can take your dish from good to great. Here are some helpful tips.
- Bold seasoning mix: Ensure you thoroughly coat the chicken with the spice blend for maximum flavor penetration.
- Use high-quality olive oil: This enhances both taste and moisture, making the chicken juicy when grilled.
- Monitor grill temperature: Keeping consistent medium heat prevents burning while ensuring thorough cooking.
- Let it rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after grilling helps retain juices, making each bite tender.
- Experiment with accompaniments: Try different herbs or spices in your lime butter for a unique twist each time you make it.
Best Side Dishes for Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter
Pairing side dishes with your Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe can complete your meal beautifully. Here are some great options.
- Mexican Street Corn: Sweet corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, and chili powder makes for a deliciously messy side.
- Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed salad featuring black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a lime vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Seasoned sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully in the oven and provide a sweet contrast to spicy chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa mixed with diced veggies and lime juice creates a hearty yet light dish that complements grilled flavors.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy cabbage slaw dressed lightly balances well against the richness of the lime butter.
- Grilled Asparagus: Simple but elegant, grilled asparagus adds a vibrant color and earthy flavor to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve perfect results every time.
- Over-seasoning the chicken: Using too much spice can overpower the natural flavor. Stick to the recommended amounts in the Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter for a well-balanced taste.
- Not preheating the grill: Grilling on a cold surface leads to uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to medium heat before placing the chicken on it.
- Flipping the chicken too often: Constantly turning the chicken can prevent it from browning properly. Flip it only once during grilling for that beautiful char.
- Skipping the resting period: Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking causes juices to run out, leading to dryness. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- Ignoring internal temperature: Cooking without checking the internal temperature can result in undercooked or overcooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow chicken to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Label with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cook until thoroughly heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter special?
This recipe combines vibrant spices with zesty lime butter, delivering a unique flavor profile that elevates grilled chicken.
Can I use boneless chicken parts?
Yes, you can use boneless parts; however, adjust cooking times as they may cook faster than bone-in pieces.
How can I customize the lime butter?
Feel free to add herbs like thyme or dill or even more lime juice for extra zest according to your taste preferences.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! The Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
The Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. You can customize it by adjusting spices or adding different herbs. Try this recipe today and enjoy a flavorful meal that everyone will love!
Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter
Elevate your summer grilling with this tantalizing Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter. This dish is a delightful blend of spices and zesty lime butter that adds a burst of flavor to juicy, grilled chicken. Perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or casual gatherings, it will impress your guests with its vibrant presentation and mouthwatering aroma. Easy to prepare and gluten-free, this recipe serves 8 people, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken parts
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for lime butter)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (for lime butter)
- 1 serrano chile, minced (for lime butter)
- 2 tablespoons minced white onion (for lime butter)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (for lime butter)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine chili powder, cinnamon, brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar to create a seasoning paste. Generously coat the chicken pieces with the mixture.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the seasoned chicken for approximately 30 minutes or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- In another bowl, mix all ingredients for the lime butter until well combined.
- Drizzle the lime butter over the grilled chicken just before serving or serve on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg