This flavorful chicken dish is infused with citrus and a spicy kick from jalapenos. Serve it with yellow rice or your favorite sides for a complete meal. When preparing the jalapenos, remember: the more seeds you leave in, the hotter the dish will be!
Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Additional Time (Marinating): 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, ground cumin, minced garlic, and jalapeno peppers.
- Pour the marinade into a resealable plastic bag.
- Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Squeeze out any excess air, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
- Preheat and Prepare for Broiling:
- Preheat your oven’s broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts on a broiling pan.
- Broil the Chicken:
- Broil the chicken until it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 15 minutes.
- For safety, check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached at least 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 152
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 25g
Conclusion
This jalapeno-lime chicken is a vibrant, quick, and easy dish that combines the tang of citrus with the heat of jalapenos for a well-balanced flavor profile. Perfect when paired with yellow rice, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables, this recipe is versatile enough to fit any dinner plan. Enjoy the burst of flavor and adjust the spiciness to suit your taste by playing with the amount of jalapeno seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 4 hours?
A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours. However, be mindful that prolonged exposure to citrus may begin to break down the protein, potentially altering the texture.
Q: Can I use a grill instead of the broiler?
A: Absolutely! You can grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: What should I do with the leftover marinade?
A: For food safety, it’s best to discard the used marinade. If you’d like a sauce, you can reserve a portion of the marinade before adding the raw chicken and bring it to a boil to serve alongside the dish.
Q: Can I adjust the heat level of this dish?
A: Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor, remove more of the jalapeno seeds or reduce the number of peppers. Conversely, leave in extra seeds for a spicier kick.
Enjoy your delicious and zesty jalapeno-lime chicken!