Name: Grilled Santa Fe Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 0.5 cup Lime juice; 2 tbsp Olive oil; 1 tsp Chili powder; 0.5 tsp Cumin; 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Black pepper

Okay, friends, let’s talk about a dinner that will rock your world. I’m talking about a womanGrilled Santa Fe Chicken – Served withThink juicy, perfectly grilled chicken breasts marinated in a smoky, slightly spicy blend of spices. Southwestern flavors. Is it like a party in your mouth? If you love the vibrant flavors of a good Chicken Fajita but want something healthier and delicious, try this recipe. Is this recipe easy to pull off on a busy weeknight? Is it easier than you think to do it yourself?

What is a Grilled Santa Fe Chicken?

Grilled Santa Fe Chicken.Is, essentially, chicken marinated in a bold, Southwestern-inspired blend of spices and then grilled. To tender perfection. Think smoky paprika, earthy cumin, a hint of chili powder, and maybe just the right amount of sweetness to balance it all out. What do you expect from Santa Fe cuisine? Is there any warmer hospitality? What is essentially taking the flavors you know and love from dishes like enchiladas and fajitas and then combining them with your favorite ingredients. Applying them directly to juicy, grilled chicken. What is the best marinade for chicken? Is it possible to keep meat moist while grilling? I’ve even been known to use it on tofu for a vegetarian option!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? There are a million reasons why this is so?Grilled Santa Fe Chicken.What makes this recipe a total winner? Is it smoky, slightly spicy, and oh- The combination of paprika, cumin, and chili powder creates this depth of flavor that’s just as good as the real thing. What I love about this is that it’s incredibly easy to make. You literally just whisk together the marinade ingredients, let the chicken soak up all that marinades. What is the best way to cook a chicken on the grill? What is a lifesaver on those nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want the time to cook? What is a healthy meal? What is the most cost-effective way to feed a family? Chicken breasts are generally budget-friendly, and the spices are probably already in your pantry. Can you serve this chicken in a variety of ways? We love it sliced and piled high on salads, tucked into tacos or quesadillas. Or served alongside salad. Is it healthy to eat rice and beans for a complete meal? Is it good to use it in nachos? If you love Black Bean salsa, you’ve got to try it with this chicken. Is fried chicken healthier than regular chicken? What are some of the best spices to cook grilled chicken? My kids ask for this all the time – and that’s saying something!

How do you grill Santa Fe chicken?

Quick Overview

Making Grilled Santa Fe Chicken – Served withIs seriously a breeze. What’s a quick marinade, and then grill time? What is magic in marinade? It tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with all those incredible Southwestern flavors. This method is special because it’s so simple yet delivers such a flavorful, restaurant-quality. I don’t need any fancy equipment or culinary skills – just basic ingredients and a little creativity. What’s the best way to soak a chicken up?

Ingredients

For the Grilled Santa Fe Chicken Marinade: For a quick and easy recipe, use

1/4 cup olive oil (Good quality makes a difference!)
1/4 cup lime juice (Freshly squeezed is best)
2 tablespoons chili powder (I use a mild one, but adjust to your spice preference)
1 tablespoon smoked paprika (This is the key for that smoky flavor!)
1 tablespoon ground cumin (Adds warmth and earthiness)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (Can substitute 2 cloves fresh, minced garlic)
1 teaspoon onion powder (Adds a subtle savory note)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican or if you can find it)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat) (It’s a smoked
1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (Freshly ground is always better!)

For the Chicken: What is the recipe

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 6-8 ounces each) (Around 6 pounds each).

How do I follow the

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Set aside. What are the ingredients for garlic powder, onions, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper? Make sure everything is well combined and there are no clumps of spices. I usually let the marinade sit for about 5 minutes to let all the flavours meld together, and get a nice crisp finish. How do I get

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. How do you marinate chicken? Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender it will be. I always try to flip the bag halfway through to ensure even marinating.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking. I always use a grill brush to scrub and then wipe it down with an oiled paper towel. What is the best grilling hack?

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard it. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side. The internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. How do you cook on a grill? I learned this the hard way a few years back. Undercooked chicken is just not good.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the Grilled Santa Fe Chicken – Served withIs it safe to slice a tomato from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting? What is the best way to redistribute chicken juices? What is the most important step in preparing chicken?

What should I serve it with?

This Grilled Santa Fe Chicken – Served withIs incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many different dishes. What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?

In Salads:What are some good Side Dishes to serve with chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes and a mixed green salad? What is a good salad dressing?

In Tacos or QuesadillaDice chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas. Top with your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and cheese.

With Rice and Beans: What is the best way Serve the Grilled Santa Fe Chicken: What is the bestWhat can I serve with black beans and Mexican rice for a complete meal?

As Nacho Topping: Chop the chicken and sprinkle it over a bed of tortilla chips, along with cheese, jalapenos, and your favorite nacho toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

One of our family traditions is to have a build-your-own-bowl night with this chicken. We put out a bunch of different toppings and everyone gets to customize their own bowl. It’s always a hit!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Grilled Santa Fe Chicken

Want to take your Grilled Santa Fe Chicken to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:

Don’t Over-Marinate: While marinating is key for flavor and tenderness, marinating for too long can actually make the chicken tough. Stick to the recommended time of 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating. This ensures that they cook at the same rate and prevents some parts from drying out before others are done.

Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure that your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the Chicken Breast – it should read 165°F (74°C).

Let It Rest: Always let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. I’ve almost skipped this step several times because I was so hungry, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Spice It Up: If you like your chicken with a little more kick, add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade, or use a spicier chili powder. You can also add a finely chopped jalapeno pepper.

I’ve learned over time that the quality of your spices really makes a difference. Using fresh, high-quality spices will result in a much more flavorful and aromatic chicken.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your Grilled Santa Fe Chicken:

Refrigerating: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken will last for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat the chicken, you can either microwave it, bake it in the oven, or pan-fry it. For the best results, I recommend baking it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also slice it and reheat it in a skillet with a little bit of olive oil.

A little tip: If you’re planning on freezing the chicken, it’s best to slice it before freezing. This way, you can easily grab a portion and reheat it without having to thaw the whole thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative. They’re more forgiving and tend to stay moister on the grill. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 175°F (79°C).

I don’t have a grill. Can I cook this in a pan?

Yes, you can definitely cook this in a pan! Use a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan. Heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours in advance. You can also cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

What if I don’t have lime juice?

Lemon juice can be substituted for lime juice in a pinch, although you may find that it tastes ever so slightly different. I have done this many times and it doesn’t seem to make a difference at all.

Can I add more vegetables to the marinade?

Oh yes, adding a bit of bell pepper to the marinade would give it a really sweet flavour. Or maybe some onion or garlic would work too!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Grilled Santa Fe Chicken! It’s a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts. The smoky, slightly spicy flavors are seriously addictive, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you give this recipe a try and love it as much as my family does! If you’re a fan of grilled chicken recipes, be sure to check out my other recipes, like my Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken or my Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken. They’re all equally delicious and easy to make. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, be sure to share them – I’m always looking for new ideas! Happy grilling!