Zesty Lime and Chili Chicken Recipe: Flavor Explosion

Summers call for vibrant, zesty lime and chili infused chicken that sings with tantalizing flavors.

Spice lovers rejoice as this recipe delivers a punch of bold, bright ingredients.

Fresh lime cuts through rich chicken meat with incredible precision.

Chili peppers add a warming heat that dances across your palate.

Each bite promises a delightful balance between citrusy brightness and subtle spice.

You’ll love how simple ingredients can create such a memorable meal.

This dish transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Lime and Chili Chicken

• Chicken Drumsticks: A flavorful and juicy cut of chicken that absorbs marinades beautifully.

• Greek Yogurt: Provides a creamy and tangy base that helps tenderize the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps distribute flavors evenly.
• Lime Juice: Brings a bright, zesty citrus element to the dish.
• Chili Paste: Introduces a spicy kick and depth of flavor.
• Minced Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic foundation to the marinade.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Parsley: A fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a touch of color and brightness to the final dish.

How to Prepare Zesty Lime and Chili Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Grab your chicken drumsticks and give them a quick rinse under cool water.

Use paper towels to thoroughly dry each piece, ensuring a perfect marinade coating.

Step 2: Create Flavor Powerhouse Marinade

• Greek yogurt
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Chili paste
• Fresh lime juice
• Seasonings

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and vibrant.

Step 3: Marinate and Infuse

Submerge the chicken drumsticks completely in the marinade, massaging the mixture into every nook and cranny.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and slide into the refrigerator.

Let the flavors dance and mingle for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 4: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375°F, creating the perfect roasting environment for your soon-to-be-delicious chicken.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Transfer the marinated drumsticks into a large baking dish.

Spread them out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.

Roast for 45-50 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 6: Crisp It Up

For an irresistible golden exterior, switch your oven to broil.

Let the chicken sizzle for 5 minutes, developing a gorgeous, crispy skin.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, letting the juices redistribute.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your flavor-packed meal!

Tips for Zesty Lime Chili Chicken

• Let the chicken sit in the yogurt marinade for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
• Pat the chicken completely dry before marinating to help achieve a crispier skin during roasting and broiling.
• Adjust the chili paste amount to make the dish milder or spicier based on personal heat preference.
• Swap Greek yogurt with coconut milk or almond milk yogurt for those with dairy restrictions.

Flavor Variations for Lime and Chili Chicken

• Tropical Coconut Variant: Replace Greek yogurt with coconut milk and add shredded coconut to the marinade for a sweeter, more tropical flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Version: Swap chili paste with fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish with lighter, earthy notes.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use full-fat Greek yogurt, increase olive oil, and eliminate any sugar-based ingredients to create a keto-friendly marinade that keeps the chicken tender and flavorful.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute Greek yogurt with almond milk or cashew cream and use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a dairy-free version that maintains moisture and zesty flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Zesty Lime and Chili Chicken

• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions over the chicken for a burst of vibrant color and fresh flavor that complements the zesty marinade.
• Cooling Sidekick: Serve with a creamy cucumber raita or Greek yogurt dip to balance the spicy chili heat and provide a refreshing contrast to the tangy chicken.
• Grain Companion: Pair with cilantro lime rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious marinade juices and create a complete, satisfying meal that highlights the chicken's bold flavors.
• Veggie Partner: Add a simple roasted vegetable side like charred bell peppers or grilled zucchini to round out the dish with extra nutrition and complementary grilled notes.

How to Store Zesty Lime and Chili Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring freshness and preventing bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual drumsticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• What does the Greek yogurt do in this marinade?

Greek yogurt acts as a tenderizer, helping to break down chicken proteins and create a more tender, juicy result while also helping the marinade stick to the chicken.

• Can I use a different type of chili paste?

Yes, you can substitute with sriracha, harissa, or sambal oelek based on your heat preference and availability. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the drumstick. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

What Makes Zesty Lime and Chili Infused Chicken So Zesty

Spice Up Your Mealtime: Zesty chicken drums that pack a flavor punch and transform ordinary dinners into exciting culinary adventures.

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Vibrant lime and chili marinade creates a bold, tangy profile that elevates standard chicken to restaurant-quality deliciousness.
• Quick Prep, Minimal Effort: Simple mixing of marinade ingredients and one-pan roasting method means less kitchen time and more enjoyment with minimal complicated steps.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Mild enough for kids yet exciting for adults, this recipe offers a perfect balance of zesty and approachable flavors that everyone can enjoy together.
• Versatile Cooking Style: Easily adaptable for different protein preferences, can be grilled or baked, making it a flexible option for various cooking environments and preferences.

Zesty Lime and Chili Infused Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Lime and chili chicken brings fiery Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table, dancing with tangy zest and spicy undertones. Fresh ingredients and bold seasonings create a quick, mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 12 chicken drumsticks (skin on, bone-in)

Dairy and Marinade Base:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1–2 tablespoons chili paste
• 2 limes (juiced)
• 2.5 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Garnish:

• Parsley

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Instructions

1. Meticulously cleanse chicken drumsticks, eliminating excess moisture with paper towels to ensure optimal marinade adherence.
2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking Greek yogurt, olive oil, crushed garlic, fiery chili paste, tangy lime juice, and aromatic seasonings into a harmonious blend.
3. Submerge drumsticks completely in the zesty marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated; seal and refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to allow flavors to permeate.
4. Heat oven to 375°F, positioning rack in center for uniform cooking.
5. Transfer marinated drumsticks to a spacious baking dish, arranging them without overcrowding to promote even roasting.
6. Roast chicken for 45-50 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it precisely reaches 165°F, indicating safe and succulent meat.
7. Activate broiler for 3-5 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy exterior with delightful caramelized edges.
8. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute, then garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is completely dry before marinating to help the yogurt mixture adhere better and create a more flavorful coating.
• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for the full 2 hours, letting the lime and chili infuse deeply into the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, preventing overcooking while guaranteeing juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili paste amount, making the dish friendly for different spice tolerances.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 263 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg