This simple yet delicious grilled chicken is one of my family’s newest favorite freezer recipes. Even my littlest, who doesn’t normally like chicken, gobbles it up like she has never seen food before. I like it because it is ridiculously easy and makes almost no mess. My husband likes it because it involves the grill, which he would happily cook with every single night if he could.

To make it as part of a freezer cooking day, just double or triple the recipe, split the marinade & chicken into multiple bags, then throw it right into the freezer–no cooking required! Making it ahead of time is not necessary, though, as it is equally delicious just marinated at in the fridge for 4-6 hours.

You can use any type of chicken but my family much prefers the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are a darker, juicier meat and also tend to be cheaper than the boneless skinless breasts.

Assemble your ingredients for the spiced chicken: cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, limes, chicken thighs, salt and pepper.

Here is what you need:

2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
2 1/2 tsp Chili powder
2 TBSP Garlic powder
2 large lime, zested & juiced
4-6 lbs. chicken thighs
salt & pepper

Zest limes and add zest to medium size bowl, then juice and set aside.

Step 1: Zest limes and add zest to medium size bowl, then juice and set aside.

Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, lime zest, salt and pepper to bowl.

Step 2: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, lime zest, salt and pepper to bowl and mix well.

Divide chicken into freezer bags with spices and lime juice.

Step 3: Divide chicken into 2 1-gallon freezer bags. (If freezing, be sure to label bags ahead of time.) Add lime juice and marinate chicken in bag for at least 4 hours or longer, or press out air from bag and freeze.

Grill chicken on medium heat.

Step 4: Thaw if frozen. Then grill on medium heat for 25-30 minutes.

Serve grilled chicken with fresh lime and vegetables.

Step 5: Once cooked let chicken rest for 3 minutes,then squeeze fresh lime juice over top and serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

5 Spice Grilled Chicken

This simple but delicious grilled chicken is sure to be a family favorite!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword 5 Spice Grilled Chicken
Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 2 1/2 tsp Chili powder
  • TBSP Garlic powder
  • 2 large lime zested & juiced
  • 4-6 lbs. chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Zest limes and add zest to medium size bowl, then juice and set aside.
  2. Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, lime zest, salt and pepper to bowl and mix well.
  3. Divide chicken into 2 1-gallon freezer bags. (If freezing, be sure to label bags ahead of time.) Add lime juice and marinate chicken in bag for at least 4 hours or longer, or press out air from bag and freeze.
  4. Thaw if frozen. Then grill on medium heat for 25-30 minutes.
  5. Once cooked let chicken rest for 3 minutes,then squeeze fresh lime juice over top and serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

5 Spice Grilled Chicken | Simple Chicken Recipe | Food Made Simple | Freezer Friendly Recipe

Ruth Soukup

Ruth Soukup - LIVING WELL SPENDING LESS. Practical solutions for everyday overwhelm. Food Made Simple, Life Etc., Home 101, Smart Money. Start organizing your whole life today!

TAKE BACK CONTROL OF YOUR HOME LIFE


Ever feel like you just can't keep up? Our Living Well Starter Guide will show you how to start streamlining your life in just 3 simple steps. It's a game changer--get it free for a limited time!


If you love this resource, be sure to check out our digital library of helpful tools and resources for cleaning faster, taking control of your budget, organizing your schedule, and getting food on the table easier than ever before.