Spicy Grilled Chicken: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic
Spicy Grilled Chicken is a mouth-watering twist on traditional grilled chicken that combines the bold flavors of spices and herbs with the smoky char of the grill. This dish is perfect for those who love a little heat, as the spicy kick from the peppers and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce will have you craving for more. The combination of sweet and tangy from the brown sugar and lime juice balances out the spiciness, making it a well-rounded and exciting dish. Whether served with a side of rice, beans, or roasted vegetables, Spicy Grilled Chicken is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
* 4 corn tortillas (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, ginger, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. During the last minute of grilling, brush the chicken with the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve with tortillas, if desired, and garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes
Variations:
* Try using different spices, such as ground coriander or ground cinnamon, to give the dish an Indian or Middle Eastern flavor.
* Substitute chipotle peppers with diced jalapeños or serrano peppers for a milder heat.
* Add some sliced onions, bell peppers, or zucchini to the grill along with the chicken for a colorful and healthy stir-fry-style dinner.
* Use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a topping instead of tortillas for a creamy and tangy alternative.