Southwestern Chicken
A vibrant Southwestern chicken recipe with fresh cilantro, lime, and smoky flavors, perfect for grilling and enjoyed by family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coarsely chop the tomatoes and onion.
- In a blender or food processor, blend tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and soy sauce until finely chopped.
- Place chicken and marinade in a large Ziploc bag, seal, and turn to coat well.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Prepare the outdoor grill for barbecuing over medium heat.
- Place chicken on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes on each side until golden.
- Cook until fork-tender, brushing occasionally with the tomato marinade.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if time allows. If you don't have fresh cilantro, parsley can be a great substitute. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a quicker grill time. Consider adding diced jalapeños to the marinade for an extra kick, or use the marinade as a base for recipes like Weeknight Fajitas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southwestern Chicken with a side of grilled corn or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Mexican Lasagne or can be used in tacos. Adding a dollop of sour cream and fresh avocado slices can enhance the dish's flavors. For a refreshing drink, consider serving with lime-infused water.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also slice the chicken and add it to salads or wraps for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Chicken contains roughly 146 calories, with 8g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (126% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1407mg per serving (61% 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 other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use pork or turkey instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking times, as different meats may require longer or shorter grilling times. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches safe levels for the meat you choose.
What can I do if I don't have a grill?
If you don't have access to an outdoor grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan on the stovetop or bake it in the oven. For oven cooking, preheat to 375°F and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! To spice up the dish, you can add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the marinade. You could also serve it with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side to cater to different heat preferences.
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).