Zesty Southwestern Grilled Chicken Breasts
Elevate your family's dinner with this mouthwatering Zesty Southwestern Grilled Chicken. Marinated in a vibrant mixture of fresh tomatoes, zesty lime, and aromatic spices, this dish embodies the bold flavors of the Southwest. Perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight meals, our recipe features juicy chicken breasts that are grilled to perfection and paired with a refreshing side of black beans. The multi-dimensional marinade is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, herbs, and soy sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness. Prep ahead for a hassle-free meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
2 (Quartered)
Onions
2 cups (Chopped)
Red Bell Pepper
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Garlic
4 cloves (Peeled)
Cilantro Leaves
1/4 cup (Fresh, packed)
Soy Sauce
2/3 cup (None)
Olive Oil
5 tablespoons (None)
Fresh Lime Juice
2 tablespoons (Squeezed from fresh limes)
Black Pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (Ground)
Chicken Breasts
4 (Whole (about 2 pounds))
Parsley
To taste (Chopped (for garnish))
Instructions
1
Begin by splitting the chicken breasts in half to create evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking.
2
In a food processor, combine the quartered tomatoes, chopped onions, red bell pepper, garlic cloves, fresh cilantro, soy sauce, olive oil, fresh lime juice, and black pepper.
3
Process the mixture for about 30 seconds, until you achieve a smooth marinade consistency.
4
Transfer the marinade into a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, and add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully immersed in the marinade.
5
Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, turning the chicken occasionally to allow the flavors to penetrate.
6
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
7
Grill the chicken breasts for 20 to 30 minutes, turning frequently and basting with the marinade to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
8
Once fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F), remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
9
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for added color and flavor before serving.
10
For an ideal pairing, serve with a side of black beans. If using the marinade as a sauce, ensure it is boiled thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Southwestern Grilled Chicken Breasts?
It is a flavorful dish featuring chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant mixture of tomatoes, lime, and aromatic Southwestern spices, then grilled to perfection.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should be refrigerated in the marinade for a minimum of 4 hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate.
What are the primary ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of tomatoes, onions, red bell pepper, garlic, fresh cilantro, soy sauce, olive oil, lime juice, and black pepper.
How should I prepare the chicken breasts before marinating?
You should split the chicken breasts in half to create evenly sized pieces, which ensures uniform cooking on the grill.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
The grill should be preheated to medium heat for cooking the chicken.
How long does it take to grill the chicken?
The chicken usually takes between 20 to 30 minutes to grill, depending on the thickness of the pieces.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I use the marinade as a serving sauce?
Yes, but only if you boil the marinade thoroughly before serving to ensure it is safe for consumption.
What side dish pairs well with this recipe?
A refreshing side of black beans is the recommended pairing for this Southwestern dish.
How do I make the marinade smooth?
Combine all marinade ingredients in a food processor and process for about 30 seconds until a smooth consistency is reached.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of soy sauce.
Do I need to baste the chicken while grilling?
Yes, turning the chicken frequently and basting with the marinade helps keep it juicy and flavorful.
What type of oil is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 5 tablespoons of olive oil.
Should I rest the chicken after grilling?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the grill helps retain its juices.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 4 peeled cloves of garlic for the marinade.
Is fresh lime juice necessary?
The recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice squeezed from fresh limes for the best flavor.
What garnish is used for this dish?
Fresh chopped parsley is used as a garnish for added color and flavor.
How many tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 2 quartered tomatoes.
How much onion is required?
You will need 2 cups of chopped onions.
What kind of bell pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped red bell pepper.
How much cilantro is in the marinade?
Use 1/4 cup of fresh, packed cilantro leaves.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground black pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because it requires at least 4 hours of marinating, it is a great hassle-free meal to prepare ahead of time.
Can I use a plastic bag for marinating?
Yes, you can use either a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag to marinate the chicken.
Should I remove excess marinade before grilling?
Yes, allow the excess marinade to drip off the chicken before placing it on the grill.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe serve?
The recipe uses 4 whole chicken breasts, which is approximately 2 pounds of meat.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is described as a healthy meal featuring lean protein and fresh vegetables.
Can I use this recipe for a BBQ?
Absolutely, it is specifically noted as being perfect for summer barbecues.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It has a zesty Southwestern profile with bold flavors of lime, garlic, and fresh herbs.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the garnish.