Refuel your backyard barbecue recipes with this great version of Chili Lime Chicken
Are you looking for a great backyard barbecue recipe for your main dish this Memorial Day? In Texas barbecue usually means brisket. And, if you have been living in Texas for some time you know that means in 16-20- hours you will eat. It also means that you have to get up in the middle of the night to fire up your grill. If you are new to Texas, the realization that it takes that long to cook a brisket is an eye opener.
But, I am here to tell you, even if you live in Texas, you can break tradition. You can plan a quick, and delicious meal in less than one-third of the time with a simple recipe of Chili Lime Chicken. Your guests will love it and you will achieve the great backyard barbecue success you deserve.
My inspiration came when I was in Costco checking out other customers shopping carts. By doing this, I always find out what I miss. As a new Costco member I miss a lot. During a recent visit, I noticed someone had a large package of chicken that read barbecue chili lime chicken on the label. YUM! I was already in the check-out line. Going to the back of the store to pick up a package was not going to happen. At that moment I decided to find my own recipe.
Finding the right recipe with the right flavors
I scoured the Internet for just the right flavors. A multitude of recipes with lots of variations exist on the Internet. I chose a recipe that married several different flavors such as chili powder, jalapeño, fresh lime juice and zest, honey and cilantro. It marinates beautifully in just two hours. Though the recipe calls for chicken thighs using breasts also works.
This recipe is extremely versatile. You can serve it several different ways—by itself with your favorite side dishes, or Tex-Mex style. Serve it Tex-Mex style with flour or corn tortillas, rice, guacamole, and a delicious salsa.
I served it with a cold black bean salad. There’s no need to have a recipe for this. You simply mix a can of rinsed black beans with a cup of corn (fresh or frozen), a cup of fresh diced tomatoes, and finely sliced red onion. Right before serving drizzle with olive oil, fresh squeezed lime juice, and salt to taste. For those that need a recipe, here’s one that is tasty, easy to fix and versatile. For the final touch I added a side of corn bread.
Just a reminder that chicken needs to register 160°F on your meat thermometer. Grilling it beyond that temperature usually results in a drier version. At 160°F your chicken will be both moist and tender. You can also check to see if the meat is done by using the finger test.
Also, if you plan ahead, marinade more than the recipe calls for and use the chilled chicken slices in a salad the next day for lunch or dinner.
From our Travisso family to yours have a great Memorial Day! And, if you are travelling during the holiday weekend, we wish you safe travels.
