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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 tablespoon lime zest To make Sweet Chili Lime Grilled Chicken, you need fresh and simple ingredients. The chicken gives a nice base. Sweet chili sauce adds flavor and a little heat. Lime juice and zest give it a bright taste. - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon ground ginger The marinade is key to great taste. First, you mix garlic, soy sauce, honey, and ground ginger into the sweet chili sauce. This mix makes the chicken juicy and full of flavor. The garlic and ginger add depth. Honey balances the heat with sweetness. - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving You want your dish to look good too. Fresh cilantro adds color and a nice scent. Lime wedges give a fresh burst when served. Together, they make your grilled chicken pop on the plate. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a medium bowl. Whisk together these key marinade ingredients: - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 tablespoon lime zest - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon ground ginger Keep whisking until everything blends well. This mix adds great flavor to your chicken. Next, take your chicken breasts and season them. Use salt and pepper on both sides. This step is vital for taste. Then, place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure it coats every piece. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you want more flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours. Now it's time to grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly oil the grill grates. This prevents sticking and ensures nice grill marks. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the extra drip off. Discard the marinade to avoid cross-contamination. Put the chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). This means the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked. Once done, take the chicken off the grill. Let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Now, slice and serve your beautiful chicken, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy! To get those beautiful grill marks, you need to preheat the grill. Heat it to medium-high. This step is key. If the grill is not hot enough, the chicken will stick. Oiling the grill grates also helps. Use a paper towel with oil to coat the grates. This will keep your chicken from sticking and give it nice lines. If you don’t have a grill, don’t worry! You can bake or use a stove-top grill. For oven baking, preheat it to 400°F (204°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. If using a stove-top grill, heat a pan on medium-high. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. Want to change the flavor a bit? You can add more spices. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also boost the taste. For a zesty kick, add orange juice or zest. These little changes can make a big difference in flavor! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours. This allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors from the marinade. Check the Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high before placing the chicken on it. This helps to create those beautiful grill marks and ensures even cooking. Let It Rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh lime juice and zest instead of bottled. Fresh ingredients elevate the flavor profile of the dish significantly. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish easily. Shrimp works great with the sweet chili lime flavor. Just marinate it for 15 minutes. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Tofu is another good choice. Use firm tofu for best results. Press it to remove extra water, then cut it into cubes. Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes. Grill it until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. You can play with the marinade too. Try adding orange juice or lemon juice for a twist. Each citrus will bring a different taste. If you want more heat, add some crushed red pepper or a dash of sriracha. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can also brighten up the flavor. Experiment with spices like cumin or paprika for extra depth. This grilled chicken pairs well with many sides. Serve it with a fresh green salad. A cucumber salad or coleslaw also complements the dish nicely. You can add rice or quinoa for a hearty option. Try serving it with grilled veggies for a colorful plate. Don’t forget some lime wedges on the side for an extra zing! After you enjoy your sweet chili lime grilled chicken, store any leftovers right away. Let the chicken cool to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tight to keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, be sure to label the container with the date. If you want to keep your grilled chicken longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze, wrap each piece in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. The sweet chili lime grilled chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the grill or in the oven until it's hot throughout. To ensure food safety, always check the chicken's smell and appearance before eating leftovers. If it looks off or smells bad, throw it away. When stored properly, grilled chicken should be safe to eat for three days in the fridge. In the freezer, the texture may change over time, but it remains safe to eat for months. Always prioritize safety when enjoying your delicious meals! Yes, you can make the marinade ahead of time. Mix the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and other ingredients in a bowl. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. This saves time on busy days. When you're ready, just coat the chicken and let it marinate. The best way is to check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). This temperature keeps the chicken safe to eat. It also helps the chicken stay juicy. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, with no pink meat. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, make sure to thaw it first. The best way is to put it in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, use the cold water method. Seal the chicken in a bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Once thawed, you can marinate and grill as usual. You learned how to make grilled chicken using a sweet chili marinade. We looked at ingredients, marinade prep, grilling tips, and serving ideas. With options for different proteins, you can customize this dish to your taste. Store leftovers properly to ensure safety and flavor. Now you can enjoy this simple yet delicious meal any time. Dive in and impress your family or friends with your new skills!

Sweet Chili Lime Grilled Chicken

A delicious and tangy grilled chicken dish marinated in sweet chili sauce and lime.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, and ground ginger until smooth. This will be your marinade.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
  • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the marinade.
  • Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken has nice grill marks.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve the grilled chicken on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
Keyword chili lime, easy recipe, grilled chicken