Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter

Grilled chicken reaches new heights of flavor with this Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or any festive occasion. The combination of spices and the zesty lime butter elevates the chicken, making it a standout choice that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold flavors: The blend of spices creates a mouthwatering taste that tantalizes your palate.
• Quick preparation: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can easily whip up this dish for any meal.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it as a main course or slice it up for salads and tacos.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this recipe serves eight, making it ideal for family dinners or parties.
• Gluten-free goodness: Made without gluten-containing ingredients, it’s suitable for various dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s look at the essential tools you’ll need to make this delicious dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush
• Measuring spoons
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: A high-quality grill ensures even cooking and adds that delightful charred flavor to the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for blending your spices and creating the lime butter mixture without mess.

Ingredients

Grilled chicken doesn’t get any tastier than when it’s coated with lovely spices and topped with lime butter.

For the Spice Rub

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

For the Chicken

• 3 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken parts

For the Lime Butter Topping

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 serrano chile, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced white onion
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• pinch coarse black pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub

Mix first 8 ingredients in a small bowl until well blended. Spread seasoning paste all over chicken using a spoon or basting brush.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Grill chicken using medium heat for a gas grill or indirect heat for a charcoal grill. Close the lid and grill about 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Lime Butter

In another small bowl, mix all lime butter ingredients together. Drizzle over chicken just before serving or serve separately for dipping.

How to Serve Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter

Serving your Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter can elevate your meal and impress your guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions that complement the flavors of this delicious dish.

Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens: Pair the chicken with a light bed of mixed greens drizzled with a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Cilantro-Lime Slaw: Add a crunchy slaw made from cabbage, cilantro, and lime juice for an extra zing.

Tasty Salsas

• Pico de Gallo: Serve with homemade pico de gallo for a fresh and vibrant topping that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
• Mango Salsa: A sweet mango salsa can add a delightful tropical touch to your dish.

Dipping Sauces

• Extra Lime Butter: Offer additional lime butter on the side for those who want more of that rich flavor.
• Spicy Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch with a kick can be a great alternative for dipping.

How to Perfect Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter

To ensure your Southwestern Grilled Chicken is perfect every time, consider the following tips to enhance flavor and texture.

• Bold Spice Blend: Make sure to fully coat the chicken in the spice mix for maximum flavor. Don’t be shy!
• Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate in the spices overnight before grilling.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Invest in a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
• Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after grilling before serving. This helps retain juiciness.
• Adjust Heat Levels: If you prefer less heat, remove seeds from the serrano chile or use less in the lime butter mixture.
• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like parsley or mint to the lime butter for different flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter

Complementing your grilled chicken with great side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some of the best options to serve alongside it.

1. Mexican Rice: Flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes and spices makes a perfect base for your grilled chicken.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn tossed in olive oil and grilled add color and nutrition.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with lime butter can echo the flavors of your main dish beautifully.
4. Black Beans: Seasoned black beans provide protein and pair well with southwestern flavors.
5. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and pairs perfectly as a dip or topping.
6. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with veggies complements the grilled chicken nicely while adding texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling can be tricky, especially when making a flavorful dish like Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Not marinating long enough: Skipping the marinade or not allowing enough time for the spices to infuse can lead to bland chicken. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible.

• Using low-quality chicken: Low-quality chicken can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Always choose fresh, high-quality bone-in chicken parts for the best results.

• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking your chicken too long will result in dry meat. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

• Neglecting the heat settings: Using incorrect heat settings can lead to uneven cooking. For gas grills, use medium heat; for charcoal grills, opt for indirect heat.

• Forgetting the Lime Butter: This flavorful addition is vital for enhancing your dish. Prepare and serve it alongside your grilled chicken to maximize flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter

• Wrap cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a covered dish and reheat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts (1 minute) until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep moisture. Cook until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the seasoning paste and marinate the chicken ahead of time. Just grill it fresh when you’re ready to serve!

What sides go well with Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter?

This grilled chicken pairs beautifully with rice, corn salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I know when my grilled chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Can I use skinless chicken parts?

Absolutely! Skinless chicken will still absorb the flavors from the marinade but may cook a bit faster, so adjust your grilling time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The Southwestern Grilled Chicken Recipe with Lime Butter is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether served at a summer barbecue or as an easy weeknight dinner, this dish offers rich flavors that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it by adding extra spices or serving it with different sides! Try it out today!