Zesty Pepper-Lime Grilled Chicken
Elevate your grilling game with this Zesty Pepper-Lime Grilled Chicken! Infused with the vibrant tang of lime and the bold kick of black pepper, this recipe is perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners. Marinated to perfection, the chicken stays moist and flavorful whether grilled, baked, or cooked in a slow cooker. Enjoy it over fluffy rice, or pair it with your favorite seasonal veggies for a delightful meal. Ideal for meal prep or once-a-month cooking (OAMC), this dish guarantees a burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
4
Servings
135
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
lime peel
1/2 teaspoon (zested)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (extra virgin)
basil
1 teaspoon (dried)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
chicken breasts
4 (boneless and skinless)
Instructions
1
In a large freezer bag, combine lime peel, minced garlic, lime juice, black pepper, olive oil, dried basil, and salt.
2
Add chicken breasts to the bag, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade.
3
Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator overnight for best results, or store in the freezer for later use.
4
When ready to cook, if frozen, thaw the chicken completely in the refrigerator.
5
For grilling, preheat the grill over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6
If baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chicken in a baking dish for about 30 minutes or until cooked through.
7
For a slow cooker option, place the marinated chicken in the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
8
Serve the cooked chicken over rice, garnished with lime wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
4.5g
Carbs
17g
Protein
0.25g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Pepper-Lime Grilled Chicken?
It is a flavorful chicken dish marinated with lime peel, garlic, lime juice, black pepper, and herbs, suitable for grilling, baking, or slow cooking.
What are the primary ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade consists of lime peel, minced garlic, lime juice, black pepper, olive oil, dried basil, and salt.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best results, it is recommended to marinate the chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
How do I grill the chicken?
Preheat your grill to medium-high and grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I bake this chicken in the oven?
Yes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chicken in a dish for approximately 30 minutes or until fully cooked.
Is there a slow cooker option for this recipe?
Yes, place the marinated chicken in a crockpot and cook on the low setting for 4 to 5 hours.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It is ideal for meal prep and once-a-month cooking (OAMC) as it can be stored in the freezer for later use.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 135 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 17 grams of protein per serving.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
What should I serve with the Zesty Pepper-Lime Grilled Chicken?
It is delicious served over fluffy rice and paired with seasonal vegetables.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can combine the ingredients in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer until you are ready to cook.
How do I thaw the chicken if it was frozen?
Thaw the chicken completely in the refrigerator before following the cooking instructions.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No, this recipe contains 0 grams of sugar.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 4.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much lime juice is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
The recipe calls for 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced.
What type of pepper should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
How much salt is included?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving has 5 grams of fat.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Yes, there is a small amount of fiber, approximately 0.25 grams per serving.
What is the best way to garnish the dish?
You can garnish the chicken with fresh lime wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
What is the internal temperature goal for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
What tools do I need for the marinade?
A large freezer bag is used to combine the ingredients and marinate the chicken.
How much lime peel is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of zested lime peel.
What is the preparation method for the garlic?
The 2 garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the marinade.
Is this a good recipe for summer barbecues?
Yes, the zesty lime and pepper profile makes it a perfect choice for summertime grilling.