Fire up the grill for this Spicy Southwest Grilled Chicken! Chili, cumin & lime create a bold marinade. Topped with creamy avocado & tomato for a high-protein flavor explosion.

Ingredients

Toggle: Metric / US

Instructions

Step 1

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 1 image
Step 2

Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2 image
Step 3

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Clean and oil the grates.

Step 4

Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside has nice char marks. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 5

While the chicken rests, dice the avocados and tomatoes into small cubes. Roughly chop the cilantro.

Step 6

Slice the grilled chicken against the grain. Top each breast with diced avocado, tomato, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

For best results

  • For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the marinade.
  • Make sure your grill is hot before adding the chicken to get those perfect sear marks.
  • Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy – don't skip this step!

Variations

  • Swap chicken for boneless thighs or shrimp – adjust grilling time accordingly.
  • Add black beans or corn salsa for a more substantial Southwest bowl.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream if you want a creamy topping with extra protein.

Nutrition

  • Calories385 kcal
  • Total Fat22g
  • Saturated Fat4g
  • Cholesterol120mg
  • Sodium450mg
  • Total Carbohydrates12g
  • Dietary Fiber7g
  • Sugars3g
  • Protein38g

Common Questions

Can I make this recipe on a stovetop grill pan?
Absolutely! A cast-iron grill pan works great. Just heat it over medium-high heat and follow the same cooking times.
How long does the marinade need?
At least 30 minutes is fine, but for maximum flavor, marinate up to 4 hours. Avoid marinating longer than 8 hours as the acid can start to break down the chicken.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your spice blends if you have celiac disease.