Chili Citrus Chicken
A vibrant, zesty dish featuring tender chicken breasts infused with chili, cumin, and garlic flavors, complemented by citrus juices and jalapeno pepper jelly for a sweet and spicy kick. Perfect for those who enjoy bold, aromatic flavors in a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast halves, skinned and boned
- 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. jalapeno pepper jelly ⓘ
- cilantro sprigs ⓘ
- red chili peppers ⓘ
- lemon slices
Instructions
- In a small dish, mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture on each chicken breast half.
- In a frypan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken breasts and cook, turning occasionally, about 12 minutes or until the chicken is brown and easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove chicken to a warm platter and keep warm.
- In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, lime juice, and jalapeno pepper jelly.
- Pour the citrus mixture over the chicken before serving.
- Garnish with cilantro sprigs, red chili peppers, and lemon slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider marinating the chicken in the spice mixture and citrus juices for a few hours to enhance the flavor. If you don’t have jalapeno pepper jelly, try using another fruit-based jelly combined with chopped jalapenos for a similar effect. This dish is also great on the grill; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chili Citrus Chicken with a side of cilantro-lime rice or a fresh garden salad for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with Stephanie's Mexican Chicken Casserole for a family feast. For a complete experience, consider offering warm tortillas and avocado slices on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chili Citrus Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Citrus Chicken contains roughly 126 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 580mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They may require a slightly longer cooking time due to their thickness but will remain juicy and flavorful.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or even include minced fresh jalapenos in the spice rub. Additionally, serve the dish with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
What can I substitute for lime juice?
If you don't have lime juice, lemon juice can be used as a substitute, although it will change the flavor profile slightly. You might also consider a splash of vinegar for acidity if you're in a pinch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).