Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken Thighs
A flavorful, high-protein meal that’s perfect for summer grilling
There’s nothing better than firing up the grill on a warm evening—especially when it’s for a meal that’s high in protein, big on flavor, and easy to prep.
These Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken Thighs are the perfect example of what fitness-focused eating should look like: simple ingredients, bold taste, and no need to overthink it.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just making dinner for the family, this one hits the sweet spot.
🛒 Ingredients
Serves 4–5
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
Zest and juice of 2 limes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional: pinch of cayenne for extra heat
Optional garnish: chopped cilantro and extra lime wedges
🔥 Instructions
Make the marinade: In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice and zest, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken: Place chicken thighs in the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours. (Overnight works great too.)
Preheat the grill: Set to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Grill the chicken: Remove thighs from the marinade and place on the grill. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and internal temp hits 165°F.
Rest & serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve. Top with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired.
Nutrition Spotlight (Per Serving, ~5 oz cooked)
Calories: ~220
Protein: ~28g
Fat: ~11g
Carbs: ~2g
Nutrition values may vary slightly depending on marinade absorption and trimming.
Pairing Ideas
Want to round this out into a balanced plate? Try it with:
Grilled zucchini, peppers, or asparagus
Quinoa, rice, or roasted sweet potatoes
A side of zoodle chicken soup or a simple garden salad
A dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with lime and garlic as a cooling sauce
Why It Works for Fitness-Focused Eating
High in protein: Supports muscle repair and keeps you fuller longer
Thighs = flavor: Slightly higher fat content means richer taste and better grilling texture
Versatile: Great hot or cold, easy to meal prep and pack
Naturally gluten-free and low-carb—so it fits a variety of eating styles
If you make this, be sure to snap a photo and tag @frederickfitnessyeg—we’d love to see it on the grill 🔥
