Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Butter

This grilled chicken gets a lovely pop of color and flavor from the lime butter—don’t skip it!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking cocoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 6 bone-in chicken breast halves (8 ounces each )
  • CILANTRO LIME BUTTER:
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 serrano pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  • In a small bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Brush over chicken.
  • Place chicken skin side down on grill rack. Grill, covered, over indirect medium heat for 15 minutes. Turn; grill 20-25 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 165°.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the butter ingredients. Drizzle over chicken before serving.

Test Kitchen tipsThis recipe gives you a hint of classic mole flavor. Mole is a Mexican sauce that can be made in many ways, but includes the standout flavors of cumin, cinnamon and cocoa.Bone-in chicken will mean juicier, more flavorful chicken than using boneless chicken breasts.Shred leftover chicken and make chicken tacos for a quick follow-up meal later in the week.

Editor’s Note

Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts

1 chicken breast half with 1 tablespoon lime butter: 430 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 411mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 40g protein.