Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 8 medium dried red chiles (about 4 large chiles)
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional
- 4 limes
Instructions
- Trim and prepare chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and better texture.
- Rehydrate and prepare chiles: Soak the dried red chiles in hot water until they are soft. Remove stems and seeds, then combine these chiles with garlic, lime juice, jalapeno, and salt in a mini food chopper and puree to make the marinade.
- Slice limes: Slice the 4 limes into 1/4 inch slices and cut each slice in half to prepare for inserting into the chicken.
- Marinate chicken: Cut diagonal slits into the chicken breasts to help the marinade penetrate deeper. Rub the chile-lime mixture all over the chicken and place into a glass baking dish. Insert lime slices into the slits. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat grill: Heat your grill to 375°F in preparation for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare for grilling: Remove lime slices from the chicken breasts before placing them on the grill. Optionally, place lime slices on a flat top or grill area to impart extra flavor.
- Grill chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill, cooking undisturbed for 5-7 minutes. Flip and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, then turn again. Continue cooking and turning until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 8 hours) intensifies the flavor and tenderness.
- If you don't have a mini food chopper, use a blender or finely mince ingredients by hand.
- Adjust the number of chiles and jalapeno according to your heat preference.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat.
- The lime slices add a burst of citrus flavor; feel free to grill them for added zest.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican