Grilled Mojito Lime Chicken With Fresh Tomato Salsa
The first time I tasted anything close to this dish, I was in a small beachside cafe in Cozumel. The air was thick with the scent of salt and grilling meat, and the sound of mariachi music drifted from a nearby cantina. A simple plate of grilled chicken, bursting with lime and herbs, and a vibrant, chunky tomato salsa – it was utter perfection. It was more than just the flavors; it was the feeling of sunshine on my skin and the pure joy of being in that moment. I knew I had to recreate that experience at home, and this recipe comes pretty close to capturing that magic.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-16 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Dietary Type: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh jalapeno pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
- 1 ounce McCormick® Grill Mates® Mojito Lime Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast halves
Equipment Needed
- Medium Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Large Resealable Plastic Bag or Glass Dish
- Grill
Instructions
- Let’s begin with the fresh tomato salsa! In a medium bowl, gently combine the chopped tomatoes, thinly sliced green onions, chopped fresh cilantro, olive oil, fresh lime juice, chopped fresh jalapeno pepper, and McCormick® Garlic Powder.
- Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the salsa until you’re ready to serve. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Next, prepare the marinade for the chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together the McCormick® Grill Mates® Mojito Lime Marinade, olive oil, fresh lime juice, and water.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of this vibrant marinade in a separate small container for brushing on the chicken during grilling. This extra brushing adds layers of flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
- Place the chicken breast halves in a large resealable plastic bag or a glass dish. Pour the remaining marinade (excluding the reserved 2 tablespoons) over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Turn the bag or dish to evenly distribute the marinade.
- Refrigerate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. For a deeper, more intense flavor, you can marinate it for longer, even up to a few hours. However, avoid marinating it for longer than 4 hours, as the lime juice can start to break down the chicken fibers, affecting its texture.
- When you’re ready to grill, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade that was in contact with the raw chicken.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This adds a final burst of flavor and a beautiful glaze.
- Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Serve the grilled Mojito Lime Chicken immediately, topped generously with the chilled Fresh Tomato Salsa.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Spice Level Control: Adjust the amount of jalapeno in the salsa to your preferred heat level. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor, or add more for a spicier kick.
- Marinade Magic: Don’t skip the step of reserving some marinade for brushing. It makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor and adds a beautiful caramelized finish to the chicken.
- Grill Marks: For those coveted grill marks, ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Place the chicken on the grill and resist the urge to move it for the first few minutes, allowing the marks to form.
- Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them gently with a meat mallet to ensure they cook evenly.
- Make Ahead: The salsa can be made up to a day in advance. The flavors actually improve as they meld together in the refrigerator.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve the Grilled Mojito Lime Chicken immediately after grilling, topped with a generous amount of the Fresh Tomato Salsa. This dish pairs well with grilled corn on the cob, black beans and rice, or a simple green salad.
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. It can also be shredded and used in tacos, salads, or sandwiches. The salsa is best consumed within 2 days. While refrigeration is best, the finished cooked chicken is safe at room temperature for only a maximum of 2 hours.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 215.7 kcal | N/A |
| Calories from Fat | N/A | 48% |
| Total Fat | 11.5 g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.8 g | 9% |
| Cholesterol | 72.6 mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 135.1 mg | 5% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2.8 g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g | 2% |
| Sugars | 1.4 g | 5% |
| Protein | 24.6 g | 49% |
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Salsa: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the salsa for extra heat.
- Fruit Salsa: Instead of traditional tomato salsa, try a mango or pineapple salsa for a tropical twist.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the salsa, such as mint, basil, or oregano.
- Citrus Zing: Add a bit of orange zest to the marinade for a more complex citrus flavor.
- Chicken Alternatives: This recipe also works well with pork tenderloin or shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh cilantro in the salsa?
A: While fresh cilantro is ideal for the best flavor, you can substitute it with dried cilantro in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro for every 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro.
Q: How can I prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill?
A: Marinading the chicken helps keep it moist, and brushing with the reserved marinade during grilling adds extra moisture. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
A: It’s best to marinate chicken for no longer than 4 hours. The lime juice can break down the chicken’s proteins and make it mushy if marinated too long.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: You can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop or bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the ingredients used are certified gluten-free. Be sure to check the label on your McCormick® Grill Mates® Mojito Lime Marinade to confirm.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Grilled Mojito Lime Chicken with Fresh Tomato Salsa recipe a try. It’s a celebration of bright, fresh flavors that’s perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want to bring a taste of the tropics to your table. Feel free to experiment with the variations and make it your own. Don’t hesitate to share your feedback and photos – I’d love to see your culinary creations! Pair this dish with a refreshing mojito or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for the ultimate dining experience.