Best Southwestern Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipes

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN MARINADE

Steps:

• Add the oil, vinegar, cilantro/parsley, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt and pepper to a gallon-sized freezer bag, seal, and shake. Either seal and refrigerate until ready to use, OR add 1.5-2 pounds chicken to the bag, seal, and squish around to make sure the chicken is covered in marinade. (Freezing instructions begin here.)
• Place the bag in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
• Cook the chicken however you'd like (grill, slow cook, pressure cook, or bake). See tips below in the Notes.

BUTTERMILK SOUTHWESTERN GRILLED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Whisk together the buttermilk, lime zest and juice, garlic, chili powder, coriander, cumin, turmeric, hot sauce, cilantro, and salt and pepper, to taste, in a large bowl. Pour the marinade into a large resealable plastic bag, add the chicken, seal the bag and refrigerate. Marinate bone-in chicken up to 12 hours, boneless up to 4 hours, chicken legs or breasts, up to 24 hours. If using fish, marinate white fish such as snapper, halibut or bass up to 30 minutes.
• Preheat the grill pan over medium-low heat for boneless breasts and fish, and medium heat for bone-in breasts, thighs and legs. Remove the meat/fish from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Brush with oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste, on both sides. Grill until golden brown and charred on both sides and just cooked through.
• Cook's Note:
• This recipe also includes the method for fish.
• Boneless chicken breasts: about 9 minutes total
• Chicken thighs/legs: about 20 minutes total
• Bone-in chicken breasts: about 15 minutes total
• White Fish: about 8 minutes total

EASY SOUTHWESTERN GRILLED CHICKEN RUB AND MARINADE

Steps:

• Blend all ingredients.
• Rub this blend on to individual chicken pieces and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for one hour prior to grilling.
• NOTE: This blend can also be converted to a paste by whisking in 3 tablespoons of olive oil per every tablespoon of rub blend. Use the paste on steaks or roasts.

GRILLED SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Flatten chicken breasts into an even thickness (about 1/2 inch); set aside.
• Combine the oil, vinegar, cilantro, chili powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cumin, salt and pepper.
• Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag; add marinade. Refrigerate 1-2 hours.
• Remove the chicken; discard marinade. Grill 4-6 minutes per side or until no longer pink.

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, chili powder, salt and paprika. Rub over both sides of chicken. In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, brown chicken on both sides; drizzle with lime juice. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes or until chicken juices run clear.

SOUTHWESTERN GRILLED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Split chicken breasts.
• Place tomatoes, onions, pepper, garlic, cilantro, soy sauce, oil, lime juice and black pepper in food processor and process for 30 seconds.
• Pour marinade over the chicken breasts and marinate, covered and refrigerated for at least 4 hours, turning frequently.
• Remove chicken from the marinade and grill over medium coals for 20 to 30 minutes, turning frequently and basting with marinade.
• Sprinkle the breasts with parsley before serving.
• Serve with black beans.
• If serving marinade as a sauce with the chicken, be sure to cook thoroughly!

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Flatten chicken breasts by placing them between plastic wrap and pounding with mallet or bottle. Rub garlic and juice of lime over flattened breasts. Place on grill or in cast iron pan and cook for 3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Top with cheese and cover to melt. Serve topped with salsa and sour cream.