Zesty Mexican Citrus Chicken
Elevate your usual chicken breast dinner with this Zesty Mexican Citrus Chicken. The marinade, combining the vibrant flavors of lime and earthy spices, infuses the chicken with intense flavor, perfect for any meal. Allow the chicken to marinate for a longer period for maximum taste, though even 30 minutes can make a significant difference. Roasting with garlic and red chilies adds a depth of flavor that balances the dish beautifully. Serve with your favorite sides for a delightful, hearty meal that brings a touch of Mexico to your kitchen.
2
Servings
240
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
2 (boneless and skinless)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
Lime
1 (zested and juiced)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin)
Ground coriander
1 teaspoon (ground)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (smoked or sweet)
Garlic
6 cloves (unpeeled)
Red chilies
2 (whole, optional based on heat preference)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, ground coriander, paprika, brown sugar, and the zest of the lime to create a flavorful marinade.
2
Generously coat the chicken breasts with the marinade. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lime directly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well covered. Seal the bowl or transfer to a zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for several hours or overnight for best results.
3
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it or using parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4
Once marinated, arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Place two slices of lime beneath the skin of each breast to infuse additional citrus flavor during cooking.
5
Scatter the unpeeled garlic cloves and red chilies around the chicken in the dish for added flavor as they roast.
6
Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced.
7
Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, then serve hot with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Nutrition Information
13
Fat
8
Carbs
25
Protein
1
Fiber
4
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Mexican Citrus Chicken?
It is a roasted chicken breast dish infused with lime, earthy spices, garlic, and red chilies.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 2 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for several hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius.
How long does the roasting process take?
Roasting takes approximately 30 to 35 minutes.
What ingredients are used in the marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, ground coriander, paprika, brown sugar, and lime zest.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 6 unpeeled garlic cloves.
Are the red chilies required?
The 2 red chilies are optional and can be adjusted based on your heat preference.
Should I peel the garlic cloves?
No, the garlic cloves should be roasted unpeeled.
Where should the lime slices be placed?
Place two slices of lime beneath the skin of each chicken breast for additional flavor.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 240 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this chicken dish?
There are 13 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of olive oil should I use?
The recipe specifies extra virgin olive oil.
Can I use sweet or smoked paprika?
Yes, you can use either smoked or sweet paprika for this recipe.
What is the recommended prep for the chicken breasts?
The chicken breasts should be boneless and skinless.
How much brown sugar is needed?
One tablespoon of packed brown sugar is used.
How much ground coriander is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground coriander.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the baking dish?
Lightly grease the baking dish or use parchment paper.
When should I add the lime juice?
Squeeze the juice of half a lime directly over the chicken before marinating.
How can I tell if the chicken is done?
The juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced and the temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
What are the primary flavor tags for this recipe?
Tags include Mexican, lime, marinade, roasted, and spicy.
How much fiber is in the recipe?
There is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There are 4 grams of sugar per serving.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, easy dinner option.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 8 ingredients in this recipe.
What kind of side dishes are recommended?
The recipe suggests serving with your favorite side dishes for a hearty Mexican-inspired meal.