Buttermilk Southwestern Grilled Chicken
Introduction
Are you tired of the same old grilled chicken? Looking for a way to add some flavor and excitement to your meals? Well, look no further! In this article, we will explore the delicious world of Buttermilk Southwestern Grilled Chicken.
What is Buttermilk Southwestern Grilled Chicken?
Buttermilk Southwestern Grilled Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines the tangy flavors of buttermilk with the bold and spicy flavors of the Southwest. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of buttermilk, spices, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. The result is a tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Why use Buttermilk in the marinade?
Buttermilk is not only a delicious and tangy ingredient, but it also helps to tenderize the chicken. The acidity in the buttermilk helps to break down the proteins in the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy chicken. Additionally, the buttermilk adds a subtle tanginess to the chicken, which pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the Southwest.
What spices can I use in the marinade?
When it comes to adding flavor to your Buttermilk Southwestern Grilled Chicken, the possibilities are endless. You can use a combination of spices such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. These spices add a delicious depth of flavor to the chicken and complement the tanginess of the buttermilk.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best results, it is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat and ensures a tender and flavorful chicken.
How do I grill the chicken?
Grilling the Buttermilk Southwestern Grilled Chicken is a breeze. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
What can I serve with Buttermilk Southwestern Grilled Chicken?
Buttermilk Southwestern Grilled Chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. You can serve it with a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or even some cornbread. The tangy and spicy flavors of the chicken complement a wide range of sides and make for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe specifically calls for chicken, you can easily adapt it to use other meats such as pork or beef. The marinade and grilling instructions can be applied to different cuts of meat, allowing you to explore different flavor combinations and create a variety of delicious meals.
Conclusion
Buttermilk Southwestern Grilled Chicken is a fantastic way to add a burst of flavor to your meals. The combination of tangy buttermilk, bold spices, and juicy chicken creates a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. So fire up the grill, marinate some chicken, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!
FAQs
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
No, buttermilk is preferred in this recipe as it adds a unique tanginess and helps to tenderize the chicken. Regular milk will not yield the same results.
2. Can I grill the chicken on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes, you can use a stovetop grill pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Simply preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat and follow the same grilling instructions.
3. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade for future use. Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly before grilling.
4. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and can result in even juicier and more flavorful chicken.
5. Can I add extra spices to make it spicier?
Of course! Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more chili powder or other spicy seasonings.
6. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk?
While Greek yogurt is a tangy and creamy alternative, it may not provide the same tenderizing effect as buttermilk. However, it can still add a delicious flavor to the chicken.
7. Can I use the marinade for other meats?
Definitely! The marinade can be used for other meats such as pork chops or even shrimp. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
8. Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Buttermilk Southwestern Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 cups of buttermilk
- 1 lime , with the zest and juice extracted
- 3 cloves of garlic , finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of ancho chili powder (or any pure chili powder)
- 2 teaspoons of ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- Hot sauce , to your liking (recommended: Tabasco)
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves , roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
- 4 bone-in or boneless chicken breasts , approximately 6 to 8 ounces each
- Canola oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, lime zest and juice, garlic, chili powder, coriander, cumin, turmeric, hot sauce, cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until well combined.
- Step 2: Transfer the marinade into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken to the bag, seal it, and place it in the refrigerator.
- Step 3: Marinate bone-in chicken for up to 12 hours, boneless chicken for up to 4 hours, and chicken legs or breasts for up to 24 hours. For fish, marinate white fish such as snapper, halibut, or bass for up to 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Preheat the grill pan over medium-low heat for boneless breasts and fish, and medium heat for bone-in breasts, thighs, and legs.
- Step 5: Remove the chicken or fish from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Step 6: Brush both sides of the chicken or fish with oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Grill the chicken or fish until it is golden brown, charred on both sides, and cooked through. The cooking times are as follows:
- - Boneless chicken breasts: approximately 9 minutes total
- - Chicken thighs/legs: approximately 20 minutes total
- - Bone-in chicken breasts: approximately 15 minutes total
- - White fish
