Hatch Green Chili Grilled Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Hatch Green Chili Grilled Chicken

• Bold Southwest flavor: Roasted Hatch chiles and fresh herbs make every bite pop

• Low-carb, high-protein: Ideal for clean and healthy meal plans

• Quick and easy: Marinate ahead and grill in under 20 minutes

• Versatile & shareable: Great for family dinners, meal prep, tacos or salads

• Pinterest perfection: Attractive appearance and simple steps make it highly pinnable

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Ingredients

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes (+ marinade time)
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours (includes marinating)

For the Marinade

• 1 cup roasted Hatch green chiles, chopped (fresh, canned, or frozen)

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or agave for slight sweetness

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

• Lime wedges and fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a blender or food processor, combine roasted Hatch chiles, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and honey if using. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

2. Marinate the Chicken

• Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag.

• Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.

• Marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours) in the refrigerator.

3. Preheat the Grill

• Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F).

• Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.

4. Grill the Chicken

• Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.

• Grill for approximately 6–7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• During the last 2 minutes, baste chicken with reserved marinade for extra shine and flavor.

5. Rest & Serve

• Transfer chicken to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes.

• Garnish with lime wedges and chopped cilantro.

• Slice or serve whole — delicious with sides like roasted veggies or cauliflower rice.

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Flavor Variations

Cilantro-Lime Boost

Add a handful of fresh cilantro to the marinade for zesty brightness.

Spicy Kick

Include a fresh jalapeño or ½ teaspoon cayenne for extra heat.

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Blend 1 ripe avocado with lime juice, Greek yogurt, and cilantro. Serve as a creamy sauce over chicken.

Meal Prep Bowls

Slice grilled chicken and use it to top bowls with quinoa, roasted corn, black beans, avocado, and salsa.

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store sliced or whole chicken in airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken up to 3 months; thaw overnight and reheat.

• Reheat: Warm gently in oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.

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Nutrition Snapshot (Approx. per serving)

Low in carbs and rich in protein — perfect for healthy meals and meal prep.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this on an indoor grill pan?
Yes! Cook on a hot grill pan for 5–6 minutes per side or until temperature reaches 165°F.

What if I can’t find Hatch chiles?
Use roasted Anaheim or poblano chiles. Add a dash of smoked paprika to mimic smoky flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs or boneless thighs work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes — marinate in the morning and grill later. The chicken holds well in the fridge or freezer.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

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Why This Recipe Will Go Viral

• Clean, healthy, and flavorful — meets wellness and taste trends

• Beautiful visuals — vibrant green marinade and grill sear appeal to Pinterest

• Easy, low-fuss steps — ideal for home cooks and busy families

• Versatile for many occasions — great for BBQ, meal prep, or weeknight dinner

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Chef Opera’s Final Thoughts

This Hatch Green Chili Grilled Chicken is exactly what I love — bold, clean, simple to make, and absolutely delicious. It’s a perfect summer staple that works for outdoor gatherings, meal prepping for the week, or spicing up your go-to dinner.

Pin it, make it, and tag #GrilledChicken and @ChefOpera — I can’t wait to see your backyard BBQ spreads!