Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken dinner into a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds! These Grilled Tajin Chicken Breasts are not just a meal, they're a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant zest of Mexican cuisine right to your backyard grill. With a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and citrusy flavors, this recipe is about to become your new go-to summer dish that promises to impress both family and friends.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Tajin seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring even seasoning and better grill marks.
- Place chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and butterfly or pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This helps ensure uniform cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix Tajin seasoning, olive oil, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt to create a marinade.
- Coat each chicken breast thoroughly with the Tajin marinade, making sure to cover all surfaces evenly. Let marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400-425°F). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side, allowing nice grill marks and caramelization to develop.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro before serving.
Tips
- Moisture Matters: Always pat your chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning. This ensures better marinade absorption and creates those coveted grill marks.
- Even Thickness is Key: Butterfly or pound your chicken to a consistent 1/2-inch thickness. This guarantees uniform cooking and prevents dry or undercooked spots.
- Marination Magic: Let the chicken sit in the Tajin marinade for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Grill Temperature Control: Maintain a medium-high heat (400-425°F) for perfect caramelization without burning.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy chicken.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices and ensure maximum tenderness. Pro tip: Serve with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro for an extra burst of freshness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
