Chef Mitchell preparing Grilled Verde Chicken with Herbs
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the perfect blend for this Grilled Verde Chicken while traveling through Mexico. The vibrant flavors of the verde sauce caught my attention, and I knew I had to recreate it. Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe to ensure it captures the delicious essence of traditional Mexican cuisine. This dish has become a family favorite and is perfect for any occasion."

With over a decade of experience in Mexican cuisine, I specialize in creating authentic and flavorful dinner recipes. My passion lies in using fresh ingredients and traditional techniques to bring the rich culture of Mexico to home cooks everywhere. I aim to make every dish accessible and enjoyable.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Grilled Verde Chicken with Herbs served on a plate

Why This Grilled Verde Chicken with Herbs Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its fresh herb marinade that infuses the chicken with bright, zesty flavors. The combination of cilantro, parsley, and lime creates a refreshing taste that perfectly complements the smoky grilled chicken. Each bite is a delicious experience, making it a must-try for any chicken lover.

The technique of marinating the chicken allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, ensuring that every piece is packed with taste. Cooking the chicken on a preheated grill adds a delightful char, enhancing its texture and flavor. This approach results in juicy chicken with a crispy exterior, perfectly balanced by the fresh herbs.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This will deepen the flavors and make the chicken more tender. Also, ensure that your grill is properly preheated to achieve a nice sear on the chicken, preventing it from sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to infuse well. You can grill the chicken right before serving for the best taste and texture.

If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs as a substitute. Generally, use one third of the amount called for fresh herbs. However, fresh herbs will give a brighter flavor that is more authentic to the recipe.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A meat thermometer is the best way to check this. The juices should run clear when pierced with a fork, and the chicken should be opaque throughout.

Yes, you can freeze grilled chicken. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be kept for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

This dish pairs wonderfully with cilantro lime rice, black beans, or a fresh corn salad. You can also serve it with tortillas for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

Grilled Verde Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just grill it right before serving to ensure it remains juicy and flavorful.

Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overcook it, as this can dry it out.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The chicken is dry and tough.

Solution: Ensure you marinate the chicken for enough time and do not overcook it on the grill. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The chicken lacks a crispy exterior.

Solution: Make sure the grill is preheated properly. You can also pat the chicken dry before grilling to enhance the searing process.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The chicken has a rubbery texture.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, monitor the internal temperature closely. Remove the chicken from the grill as soon as it hits 165°F.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The chicken is pink in the center.

Recovery: If the outside is cooked but the inside is not, you can finish cooking it over low heat or in the oven to ensure it cooks through without burning the outside.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The chicken is burnt on the outside.

Prevention: Make sure to keep an eye on your chicken while grilling. Reduce the heat if necessary and flip the chicken more frequently.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add more lime juice or a pinch of salt to balance it.

Too Salty: If too salty, serve with a side of unsalted rice or beans to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: If bland, add more seasoning or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Fresh ingredients for Grilled Verde Chicken with Herbs

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Verde Chicken with Herbs

Key ingredients include fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, which provide a wonderful aroma and flavor. The use of lime juice adds a refreshing tang, while garlic and jalapeño give it a slight kick. These ingredients combine to create a delicious marinade that elevates the chicken.

Quality ingredients are crucial for this recipe. Using fresh herbs and ripe limes will significantly impact the overall flavor. Opt for organic chicken for a tastier and healthier meal. The freshness of the ingredients ensures a vibrant and flavorful dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Choose high-quality chicken for the best results. Organic or free-range chicken tends to have superior flavor and texture. You can use boneless thighs or breasts, depending on your preference.
  • Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs rather than dried for maximum flavor. They not only enhance taste but also add a vibrant color to your dish. If possible, use homegrown herbs for the best results.
  • Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for a bright flavor. Bottled lime juice often lacks the freshness needed for the best taste. Squeeze limes just before adding to recipes for optimal flavor.
Cooking process for Grilled Verde Chicken with Herbs

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process begins with marinating the chicken, allowing the herbs and spices to penetrate the meat. As the chicken sits, the flavors intensify, creating a rich and flavorful dish. Once marinated, grilling is the key highlight of this recipe.

Achieving perfect results requires attention to temperature and timing. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat to get a nice sear while keeping it juicy inside. The resting time after grilling is crucial for redistributing juices, ensuring a tender bite.

Key Technique for Perfect Grilled Verde Chicken with Herbs

The marinating process is the heart of this recipe. Allowing the chicken to soak in the verde sauce not only enhances flavor but also tenderizes the meat. This technique is essential to achieving that juicy, flavorful chicken that everyone will love.

Grilled Verde Chicken with Herbs

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro
    Chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley
    Chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
    Extra virgin
  • 3 limes
    Juiced
  • 4 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
    Ground
  • 1 tsp paprika
    Smoked

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 tsp oregano
    Dried
  • Salt and pepper
    To taste
  • 1 jalapeño
    Chopped
  • 1/2 cup green onions
    Sliced
  • 1 avocado
    For garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade

    In a bowl, combine cilantro, parsley, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and jalapeño to create the marinade.

  2. Marinate Chicken

    Place chicken pieces in a large zip-lock bag, add the marinade, seal, and massage into the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

  3. Preheat Grill

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

  4. Grill Chicken

    Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

  5. Rest Chicken

    Once cooked, remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

  6. Serve

    Garnish with avocado and green onions, and serve with additional lime wedges.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Grilled Verde Chicken, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grilled Verde Chicken with warm tortillas, a side of black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with rice or quinoa.

Recipe Variations

You can adapt this recipe by using different proteins such as shrimp or tofu. For a spicier kick, add more jalapeños or serve with a spicy salsa.