Fiesta Lime Chicken (Printable)

Zesty lime-marinated chicken grilled to perfection with melted cheese, tangy sauce, and fresh toppings for a vibrant Southwestern meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken and Marinade

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→ Fiesta Sauce

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→ Toppings and Garnish

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# Steps:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Coat chicken breasts thoroughly and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
02 - Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, salsa, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until serving.
03 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken shows light charring.
04 - Place shredded cheese on each chicken breast during the final 2 minutes of cooking. Cover grill briefly to melt cheese. Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes.
05 - Plate chicken breasts and drizzle with fiesta sauce. Top with pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

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  • The marinade does double duty tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with bright Southwestern flavors
  • That creamy fiesta sauce balances the heat perfectly and keeps everyone coming back for seconds
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  • Over marinating in lime can actually break down the chicken texture too much, so stick to the 2 hour maximum
  • Letting the chicken rest before slicing is what keeps it juicy instead of leaking those precious juices onto your plate
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  • Pat the chicken dry before adding it to the marinade so the seasoning actually sticks to the meat
  • Mesquite chips on the grill add incredible smoky depth that tastes like it came from a restaurant