Lime Tarragon Grilled Chicken Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces that cook quickly and evenly on the grill.

Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps to infuse the flavors of the marinade into the chicken.

Tarragon: Fresh herb that provides a distinctive, slightly licorice-like flavor.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed to add a bright, tangy taste to the marinade.

Lime zest: Enhances the lime flavor with its concentrated citrus oils.

Garlic: Minced cloves that add a pungent, savory depth to the marinade.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps to tenderize the chicken.

Black pepper: Freshly ground to add a subtle heat and complexity.

When marinating the chicken breasts, make sure to use a resealable plastic bag instead of a bowl. This allows the marinade to coat the chicken more evenly and ensures that all the flavors are absorbed. Additionally, you can let the chicken marinate for longer than 10 minutes, ideally up to 2 hours in the refrigerator, to enhance the flavor even more.

• Chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and can be grilled in the same way as chicken breasts.

• Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for grilling.

• Fresh tarragon - Substitute with dried tarragon: Use half the amount of dried tarragon as fresh because dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

• Fresh tarragon - Substitute with fresh basil: Basil provides a different but complementary flavor profile that works well with lime and chicken.

• Lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice has a similar acidity and can provide a comparable tangy flavor.

• Lime zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest offers a similar citrusy aroma and flavor.

• Minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic to maintain the garlic flavor.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat without the black specks, which can be preferable in some dishes.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely after grilling. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor.
• Store the grilled chicken in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. This ensures the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.
• For longer storage, place the wrapped or containerized chicken breasts in the freezer. They can be stored for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
• To prevent freezer burn, consider using a vacuum sealer or double-wrapping the chicken in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag.
• When ready to use, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is heated through without drying out.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a microwave. Place it on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. This method helps retain moisture.
• For added flavor, consider brushing the chicken with a bit of olive oil or lime juice before reheating. This can help revive the fresh taste of the original dish.
• Serve the reheated Lime Tarragon Grilled Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even a light soup to create a well-rounded meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  5. Heat for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
  4. Cover and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is hot.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If needed, heat in additional 30-second increments until the chicken is warmed through.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable bag using the water displacement method.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath.
  4. Heat for about 45 minutes to an hour.
  5. Remove from the bag and, if desired, quickly sear in a hot pan with olive oil for added texture.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is hot and slightly crispy.

• Grill: Used to cook the chicken breasts to perfection, giving them a nice char and smoky flavor.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the marinade ingredients and coating the chicken breasts evenly.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken breasts on the grill without piercing the meat and losing juices.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the olive oil, lime juice, tarragon, salt, and pepper.

• Zester: Used to obtain the lime zest, which adds a burst of citrus flavor to the marinade.

• Garlic press: Convenient for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the tarragon and preparing the garlic.

• Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the fresh tarragon and mincing the garlic cloves.

• Plate: Used to let the chicken rest after grilling, allowing the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful result.

Marinate in advance: Prepare the marinade the night before and let the chicken sit in it overnight. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor.

Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly without having to cut into it, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is preheated before you start cooking. This ensures even cooking and saves time.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the garlic and tarragon and zest the lime in advance to streamline the cooking process.