If you’re looking for the ultimate grilled chicken recipe, this Southwest Grilled Chicken is it! The simple yet flavorful marinade infuses southwestern flavors into juicy chicken breasts for a healthy and versatile way to spice up your chicken breast game.
Grilled chicken is my weeknight hero! It’s perfect for when I’m craving a healthy, protein-packed dinner that’s easy to make. This Southwest Grilled Chicken is especially simple to make, and just plain delicious!
I love whipping up several chicken breasts at the beginning of the week for easy, healthy lunches and dinner throughout the week. This one’s perfect for meal prep!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Less than 20 minutes hands-on time – With under 20 minutes of active prep time plus only 20 minutes to marinate, it’s fast and easy to make this delicious grilled chicken.
- Short list of ingredients – All you need are chicken, some herbs and seasonings, lime, and oil!
- Versatile – This grilled chicken can be served as-is with a couple of sides, or in salads, over pasta, in sandwiches, inside tacos, or on pizza. The possibilities are endless.
- Healthy lean protein – This Southwest Grilled Chicken recipe makes getting protein a breeze! Lean grilled chicken is low in fat and carbs plus naturally gluten-free to fit a wide variety of diets and lifestyles.
Recipe Notes
This Southwest Grilled Chicken recipe is as simple as promised! Just a few simple ingredients and one pan for a family friendly meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make Southwest Grilled Chicken to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Chicken – You want to use fresh boneless, skinless chicken breast, lightly pounded out or butterflied. You can also use frozen chicken breasts, just make sure they’re completely thawed in the refrigerator before you begin.
- Seasonings – Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Salt & pepper – A must for flavorful grilled chicken.
- Lime juice – From one fresh lime. Fresh lime juice helps to tenderize the chicken and adds a boost of bright flavor.
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Southwest Chicken Salad– Chop up leftover grilled southwest chicken and add it to a green salad with black beans, red bell peppers, tomatoes, corn, and jack cheese. Top with jalapeño ranch dressing.
- Southwest Chicken Wrap– Add chicken to a large flour tortilla along with romaine lettuce leaves, tomatoes, black beans, and cheddar. Drizzle with salsa and sour cream, wrap it up, and enjoy.
- Southwest Chicken Bowl– Pile cilantro lime rice in a bowl and top with leftover chicken, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and your favorite salsa.
- Southwest Chicken Casserole–Shred leftover southwest grilled chicken and use it in this chicken enchilada casserole. Yum!
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make Southwest Grilled Chicken.
Mix up the seasonings and pour it over both sides of the chicken. Add the lime juice and oil and toss with the chicken and seasonings until distributed.
Heat your grill to medium. When hot, brush with oil. Place marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook 4-6 minutes until golden.
Flip and cook the other side for another 4-6 minutes. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from grill and let chicken rest for a few minutes.
Serve whole, sliced, cubed, or shredded. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a little added color and flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Flatten (butterfly) your chicken – A thinner chicken breast soaks up more flavor in the marinade, plus it cooks faster and more evenly. To butterfly, place chicken breasts in a zipper bag and pound it out with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
- Don’t overcook – Cook just until the internal temperature registers 165°F. If the temp goes much beyond that, you risk overcooked chicken.
- Let the chicken rest – After cooking, rest your chicken for 5-10 minutes for best results. This allows the chicken to reabsorb the liquids for the juiciest grilled chicken.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Make the marinade ahead of time – This helps save prep time, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Make ahead as a freezer meal – Make Southwest Grilled Chicken up to 6 months in advance! See the Freezer Meal Instructions, below.
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this Southwest Grilled Chicken recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How to Freeze Southwest Grilled Chicken After Cooking
- Allow cooked chicken to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label.
- Freeze for up to 6 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Southwest Grilled Chicken can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What to Serve with Southwest Grilled Chicken
Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of the Southwest, it will pair well with many of your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
- Mexican Corn Salad
- Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
- Mexican Rice
- Sautéed Peppers and Onions
- Avocado Corn Salsa
Southwest Grilled Chicken Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to 6 months
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Southwest Chicken Caesar Salad– Top a standard Caesar Salad with strips of leftover southwest chicken for a protein-packed meal.
- Southwest Chicken Salad Sandwiches– Dice leftover southwest grilled chicken and mix it with a little mayo, garlic powder, diced celery, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro, along with the juice of a lime and some salt and pepper. Serve inside fresh bread for an amazing chicken salad sandwich.
- Southwest Chicken Alfredo Pasta– Swap grilled southwest chicken into this Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe for a flavorful spin on pasta alfredo.
- Southwest Chicken Quesadillas– Slice leftover southwest grilled chicken into strips and layer in tortillas, covered with cooked green peppers, onions, and cheese. Bake or cook on the stovetop until the cheese is melted, the ingredients are warmed through, and the tortilla is golden brown.
Recipe FAQ’s
Do you rinse marinade off chicken before cooking?
No, it’s not necessary to rinse the chicken before marinating, after marinating, or before cooking. You’ll lose much of the flavor, especially after marinating! Just transfer the marinated chicken directly to the grill.
How long should I cook chicken breast on the grill?
This depends on the size of your chicken and the temperature of your grill, but generally, 4-6 minutes per side at medium heat, or until the chicken is 165˚F internal temperature.
How to tell when grilled chicken is done?
Your chicken is done when it is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear. For insurance, use an instant-read thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. If it reads 165°F or higher, it’s done.
Why is my grilled chicken rubbery?
Overcooking is the top reason why chicken can be rubbery. Cooking your chicken JUST until it reaches the internal temp of 165°F will help ensure it’s not overcooked.
More EASY Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy chicken recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- Baja Chicken
- Baked Caesar Chicken
- Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Bites
- Creamy Dijon Chicken
- Lemon Basil Chicken
Southwest Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, thin or butterflied
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, pressed
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, about 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- To make southwest seasoning, stir together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, ground pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional).
- Poke chicken all over with a fork. Place the chicken in a dish or zip top bag and pour the seasoning over the chicken on both sides. Add the lime juice and oil and mix to combine. Refrigerate for up to 4 hours, with a minimum of 20 minutes.
- Heat the grill to medium heat and brush with oil to prevent sticking. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Cook to an internal temperature of 165˚F.
- Once done, remove chicken from grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Then serve warm. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- You can give those leftovers a makeover to use later in the week, or month if frozen for a completely new and exciting dinner. *See original post for some suggestions!*
- To freeze, allow cooked chicken to cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and label. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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