Zesty Southwestern Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Butter
This Zesty Southwestern Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Butter offers a delightful medley of flavors that are perfect for summer grilling or any outdoor gathering. The chicken is marinated in a rich blend of spices, providing a warm, smoky undertone enhanced by the zesty kick of lime and a subtle sweetness from brown sugar. The addition of serrano chili adds just the right amount of heat, while the velvety lime butter incorporates fresh cilantro, making it a perfect drizzle to elevate your grilled chicken. Serve this dish at your next barbecue or family gathering, and watch it become a favorite among friends and family!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (Ground)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon (Ground)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon (Packed)
Cocoa powder
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon
Bone-in chicken parts
3 1/2 lbs (Pat dry)
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon (Juiced)
Serrano chili
1 (Minced)
White onions
2 tablespoons (Finely minced)
Fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (Finely chopped)
Ground black pepper
1 pinch (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon, chili powder, brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar to create a thick seasoning paste.
2
Pat the bone-in chicken parts dry with a paper towel. Using a spoon or basting brush, generously rub the seasoning paste all over the chicken, ensuring an even coating.
3
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken on the grill, skin-side down, and cook for about 6-8 minutes.
4
Flip the chicken pieces and reduce the grill heat to medium. Continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
5
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the cilantro lime butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with fresh lime juice, minced serrano chili, finely minced white onions, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well.
6
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Before serving, drizzle the cilantro lime butter over the grilled chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Zesty Southwestern Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Butter.
What are the primary flavors in the chicken marinade?
The chicken is marinated in a blend of cinnamon, chili powder, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar for a smoky, warm, and slightly sweet flavor.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 lbs of bone-in chicken parts.
How do I prepare the seasoning paste?
Mix together ground cinnamon, chili powder, brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl.
What is the first step in preparing the chicken?
Pat the bone-in chicken parts dry with a paper towel before applying the seasoning paste.
How should the seasoning paste be applied?
Use a spoon or basting brush to generously rub the paste all over the chicken for an even coating.
What is the initial grill temperature needed?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How long do I cook the chicken skin-side down?
Cook the chicken skin-side down for about 6-8 minutes on medium-high heat.
What temperature should the grill be after flipping the chicken?
After flipping the chicken, reduce the grill heat to medium.
How long does the chicken cook after being flipped?
Continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes after flipping.
What is the safe internal temperature for the grilled chicken?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What are the ingredients for the cilantro lime butter?
It consists of melted butter, fresh lime juice, minced serrano chili, minced white onions, chopped cilantro, and black pepper.
Is there a spicy element in the butter sauce?
Yes, the sauce includes one minced serrano chili for a zesty kick.
How do I prepare the onions for the butter?
The white onions should be finely minced.
What type of lime component is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice.
When should I make the cilantro lime butter?
You can prepare the butter while the chicken is grilling.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How is the cilantro lime butter served?
You can drizzle it over the grilled chicken or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
Does this recipe use cocoa powder?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder in the seasoning paste.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is balsamic vinegar used in this Southwestern recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar is mixed into the seasoning paste.
How much butter is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted butter.
What is the preparation for the fresh cilantro?
The cilantro should be finely chopped.
How many teaspoons of cinnamon are used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Is brown sugar included in the rub?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar is used to add a subtle sweetness.
What is the main category for this dish?
This is a grilled chicken dish perfect for BBQ and outdoor cooking.
Does the recipe use black pepper in more than one step?
Yes, it is used in both the seasoning paste and as a pinch in the cilantro lime butter.
Is this recipe considered low carb?
Yes, it is tagged as a low carb chicken recipe.
How much chili powder is in the rub?
The rub includes 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
What makes this dish ideal for summer?
The combination of smoky grilled flavors and the zesty, fresh cilantro lime butter makes it perfect for summer gatherings.