Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter

Grilling season is here, and there’s nothing quite like a Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter to elevate your outdoor gatherings. This dish brings together a delightful mix of spices and a zesty lime butter that enhances the juicy, tender chicken. Perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, this recipe promises unforgettable flavors that will impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices creates a rich and bold taste that keeps each bite exciting.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this dish on the table in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this recipe serves eight, making it perfect for family dinners or BBQ parties.
• Gluten-Free Delight: Enjoy this flavorful dish without worrying about gluten—it’s naturally gluten-free!

Tools and Preparation

To make this Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Preparing your kitchen and grill ahead of time ensures everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill (gas or charcoal)
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: The heart of any outdoor cooking; it provides the heat needed to create that smoky flavor.
• Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining spices and marinating chicken thoroughly.
• Basting brush: Perfect for applying the seasoning paste evenly over the chicken.
• Cutting board: Essential for safely preparing ingredients before grilling.

Ingredients

Grilled chicken doesn’t get any tastier than when it’s coated with lovely spices and topped with lime butter.

For the Chicken Marinade

• 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

How to Make Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar until well blended.
2. Use a spoon or basting brush to spread the seasoning paste all over the chicken parts.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat for gas grills or set up indirect heat for charcoal grills.
2. Place the seasoned chicken on the grill.
3. Close the lid and grill for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Lime Butter

1. In a small bowl, combine chopped cilantro, melted butter, minced serrano chile, minced onion, lime juice, and a pinch of black pepper.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.

Step 4: Serve

Just before serving, drizzle the lime butter over the grilled chicken or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Enjoy your flavorful meal!

This easy Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter is sure to be a hit at any event!

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 creative ways to present this dish that will impress your family and friends.

With Fresh Salads

• Cilantro Lime Rice Salad: A refreshing mix of rice, cilantro, lime juice, and diced vegetables enhances the flavors of the chicken.
• Avocado and Tomato Salad: Creamy avocados and juicy tomatoes pair well with the spices in the grilled chicken.

In Tacos

• Soft Corn Tortillas: Shred the grilled chicken and serve it in warm corn tortillas for a delicious taco night.
• Top with Slaw: Add a crunchy cabbage slaw to your tacos for extra texture and flavor.

With Dipping Sauces

• Extra Lime Butter: Serve the lime butter on the side for those who want an extra burst of flavor.
• Spicy Salsa Verde: This green sauce adds heat and tanginess, complementing the chicken perfectly.

How to Perfect Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter

To make your Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter even better, consider these helpful tips.

• seasoning application: Ensure you coat the chicken thoroughly with the spice mixture for maximum flavor.
• use of fresh ingredients: Using fresh herbs like cilantro can really enhance the taste and aroma of your dish.
• temperature control: Maintain medium heat while grilling to avoid undercooking or burning the chicken.
• resting time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute for a moist bite.

Best Side Dishes for Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter

Pairing sides with your grilled chicken can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors well.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled until charred adds a smoky sweetness that pairs wonderfully.
2. Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed salad with black beans, corn, lime juice, and spices makes a hearty side.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with spicy chicken flavors; drizzle them in olive oil before roasting.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: Light yet filling, quinoa cooked with broth and herbs adds a nutritious element to your meal.
5. Mexican Street Rice: Flavored rice cooked with tomatoes, peas, and spices is an excellent accompaniment.
6. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters made from zucchini offer crunch and are easy to prepare alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling can be tricky, and even experienced cooks can make errors. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making the Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter.

• Ignoring the marinating time: Failing to let the chicken soak in the spice mixture can lead to bland flavors. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes for better taste.
• Using high heat too soon: Starting on high heat may burn the spices before the chicken is cooked through. Use medium heat for a perfect cook without burning.
• Skipping the resting period: Cutting into the chicken right after grilling can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Not checking internal temperature: Cooking without checking the temperature may result in undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Overcomplicating the lime butter: Adding too many ingredients can mask the lime flavor. Keep it simple with just lime juice, butter, and a pinch of pepper.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter

• Wrap chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and cover. Heat for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this recipe that you might find helpful.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken parts; just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they will cook faster.

What can I serve with Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter?

Serve it with rice, corn salad, or fresh vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of minced serrano chile or add your favorite hot sauce to kick up the heat level.

How do I know when my chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is an excellent tool for this purpose.

Final Thoughts

The Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter is not only delicious but also adaptable. You can customize the spices or add more lime for extra zing. This dish is sure to impress at any gathering, so give it a try!