Grilled Jalapeño Cilantro Chicken
User Reviews
5
Grilled Jalapeño Cilantro Chicken
Description
This recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a spicy jalapeño cilantro yogurt mixture. The marinade includes fresh cilantro, plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, brown sugar for balance, garlic, and minced jalapeño with or without seeds depending on desired heat level. Salt and pepper season the blend, which is processed until smooth.
The chicken is coated in the marinade and left to rest from 15 minutes up to an hour refrigerated, allowing the flavors to permeate and the yogurt to tenderize the meat. The chicken is then grilled over medium-high heat with the lid closed, ensuring even cooking and juicy results. Flipping only once preserves moisture and achieves desirable grill marks.
The finished chicken presents a combination of creamy, herbal, and spicy notes balanced with a touch of sweetness and acidity. It works well as a standalone grilled dish or paired with sides like rice or salads. The marinade's yogurt base also helps keep the chicken tender during grilling.
Ingredients
- FOR THE CHICKEN:
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless skinless; or chicken thighs
- Spicy jalapeno cilantro yogurt marinade:
- 1/2 cup cilantro fresh, chopped, a big handful
- ¼ cup yogurt plain, Greek
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or coconut sugar, honey or pure maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 jalapeño small, do not seed if you want it spicy
- 1/4 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Make the marinade: add ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend/process until well combined and smooth.
- In a large bowl, baking dish or large reusable bag (such as a stasher bag), add chicken and pour the marinade over; stir well to coat the chicken in the marinade. Cover and place in the fridge for 15-30 minutes or up to 1 hour. Grill or bake chicken however you’d like and discard excess marinade.
- To grill chicken: Preheat the grill to 400 degrees. Once preheated, place your chicken on your grill, and close the lid. It’s important to keep the lid of your grill closed while your chicken is cooking so that no heat escapes. Cook your chicken on the grill for 6-8 minutes on one side. After 6-8 minutes open your grill lid and flip your chicken with tongs. A great tip is to only flip your chicken breast once so that it stays nice and juicy (and creates delicious grill marks!). Cook your chicken breast for 6-8 minutes more. Cook time will vary a bit depending on the size of your chicken and what type of cut, so be sure to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chicken breast using a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, your chicken is done and can be transferred to a clean plate or cutting board. Immediately cover chicken with foil to seal in the juices and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This will help you achieve that juicy, chicken breast you’re looking for!
- To bake your chicken: preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and internal temperature reads 165 degrees F.
Notes
- For spicier chicken, include the jalapeño seeds when making the marinade; omit them for milder heat.
- Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 15 minutes but up to one hour to develop maximum flavor.
- Grill the chicken with the grill lid closed to maintain even heat and moisture.
- Flip the chicken only once during cooking to preserve juiciness and achieve grill marks.
- Refer to the full recipe post for ideas on complementary dipping sauces and serving suggestions.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 187 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving (based on 4) | |
| Calories | 187cal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 1.9g | 1% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 7.3g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g | 8% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 1.6g | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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