Name: Southwest Chicken Marinade
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 38 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (thin or butterflied) (Source: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (thin or butterflied)); 2 teaspoons chili powder (Source: 2 teaspoons chili powder); 1 teaspoon cumin (Source: 1 teaspoon cumin); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Source: 1 teaspoon garlic powder); 1 teaspoon salt (pressed) (Source: 1 teaspoon salt (pressed)); ½ teaspoon ground pepper (Source: ½ teaspoon ground pepper); ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper ((optional)) (Source: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper ((optional))); 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1 lime) (Source: 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (Source: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil)

Get to know the ingredients

boneless, skinless chicken breast (thin or butterflied)

In the method: Poke chicken all over with a fork.

chili powder

In the method: To make southwest seasoning, stir together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, ground pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional).

cumin

In the method: To make southwest seasoning, stir together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, ground pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional).

Let’s make it

Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.

Servings

Original recipe: Serves 4. Original quantities shown.

Estimating…

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2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (thin or butterflied)
Ingredient note
Source: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (thin or butterflied)
2 teaspoons chili powder
Ingredient note
Source: 2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Ingredient note
Source: 1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient note
Source: 1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt (pressed)
Ingredient note
Source: 1 teaspoon salt (pressed)
½ teaspoon ground pepper
Ingredient note
Source: ½ teaspoon ground pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Ingredient note
Source: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
Ingredient note
Source: 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Ingredient note
Source: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

How to make it

0 of 4 steps complete

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!

Make room for Southwest Chicken Marinade

Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.

The last little job

Finish as directed

Enjoy!

A few questions you might have

What should I prepare first?

Set out the grill. Start with this step: To make southwest seasoning, stir together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, ground pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional).

Which preparation step should I plan for?

Leave time for the resting step before continuing.

What check should I look for as it cooks?

Cook to an internal temperature of 165˚F.

How do I plan the ingredient amounts?

This version serves 4. Use the ingredient amounts listed for that yield. If you change the number of portions, check equipment and the full method as well as the shopping quantities.

Additional recipe notes

Cooking variations Baked BBQ Chicken Let the chicken marinate for 2 hours. Place chicken breast on a cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Spread an additional layer of BBQ sauce over chicken breast Continue to cook for 10+ more minutes or until chicken is cooked through (165˚F internal temp) Crockpot BBQ Chicken Place the chicken with marinade in a slow cooker Cook on low for 2 hours Remove chicken breast and shred Mix shredded chicken back into juices and cook 30 more minutes Add more BBQ sauce if desired. Skillet BBQ Chicken Chop chicken into 1 in pieces or cut into thin fillets. Marinate for 2 hours. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium high heat. Add chicken pieces (without extra marinade) Cook for 2-3 minutes per side Substitutions: You can use any cut of chicken including chicken thighs, wings, legs, and even whole chickens with this marinade. Cook times will vary. How to Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 1-2 months. 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!* How to Scale: You can easily double the recipe and use the chicken throughout the week to meal prep.

Southwest Chicken Marinade

1. Include the rest

2. Prepare the grill