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A delicious plate of Spicy Grilled Jalapeno Chicken with Zesty Marinade

Spicy Grilled Jalapeno Chicken with Zesty Marinade

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant, zesty blend of lime, honey, and spicy jalapenos, perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal or summer BBQ.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 34 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 breasts boneless, skinless chicken breasts Pat dry before marinating for best results.
  • 2 peppers jalapeno peppers Finely chop; adjust quantity for desired spice level.
  • 60 ml olive oil Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
  • 60 ml fresh lime juice Freshly squeezed lime juice provides the best flavor.
  • 30 ml soy sauce Low-sodium soy sauce can be used to control saltiness.
  • 42 g honey Helps to balance the spice and create a glaze.
  • 1 tsp ground cumin Adds an earthy, warm flavor to the marinade.
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika Provides a smoky depth and vibrant color.
  • 2 cloves garlic Freshly minced garlic is essential for flavor.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Season generously, but remember soy sauce adds salt.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro Finely chop for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • medium bowl
  • Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, chopped jalapenos, ground cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended to create the zesty marinade.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
  5. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
  6. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

For an extra kick, leave some seeds in the chopped jalapenos. This chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. Always ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C) for food safety.