Grilled Soy-Lime Chicken Breasts

July 24, 2015

Grilled Soy-Lime Chicken Breasts




What are your favorite workout songs that you secretly jam to?
You know, those songs that you get super pumped to, but that if by accident someone hears what you’re listening to, you have a backup line ready to justify why you’re listening to it.
Something like “I usually don’t listen to this crap but this is my roommate’s iPod. I picked it up by mistake this morning!"
Personally speaking, I have quite a few songs on my iPod I know for a fact I would get laughed at by my friends.
I call them my “power songs” (I know, I’m such a nerd!)
When I’m running and need that extra push, I crank ‘em up and BAM I immediately feel like Road Runner going “Meep meep!
Well, I’ve grown sick and tired of hiding my shame playlists (or shamelists if you will) in the shadows. I want to come out into the light and share the music that I so secretly love.

Grilled Soy-Lime Chicken Breasts




So here it is. Eight songs that won’t probably change your life. But at least it might make you feel less ashamed of your own secret music choices.

Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
I mean, do I have to justify this to you?

Rihanna - SOS
Love this song. I also have a thing for Rihanna (who doesn’t?) Believe me, the beat is awesome for running.

Calvin Harris - Outside
It is obscene how many times I have listened to this song while running. IT.JUST.WORKS.

Chris Brown - Don’t Wake Me Up
I’ve very ashamed to admit this. I get super pumped at the key-change though.

Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You
Alright, I’m little embarrassed about this one too. But it’s the best for running, it’s got a driving beat and enough attitude to keep you pushing hard.

Ida Corr vs Fedde Le Grand - Let Me Think About It
You might not recognize this one by name, but if you heard it, you’d probably know it. This one was popular when I was training for my very first Ironman, so I have a soft spot for it.

The Ataris - Boys of Summer
This song goes ridiculously well when you’re sprinting. It’s a classic and a very good one too.

Skrillex and Diplo with Justin Bieber - Where Are Ü Now
I know, I know, the Bieber...but the hook is infectious, the tempo is perfect, and there’s something about this one that can pull you out of a funk like no other.

Grilled Soy-Lime Chicken Breasts

Now that I’ve come out of my workout musical closet I can tell you one thing I’m not ashamed of.
This chicken.
It’s so delish AND legit AND solid. Very tasty and very simple to make.
Perfect after a grueling workout.
A simple marinade of soy sauce, fish sauce, ginger, garlic, lime juice, and lime zest is all you need for this delicious grilled chicken.
You can really taste the ginger and garlic. It’s not overpowered by the soy. The fish sauce brings salt and umami into the mix.
A total hit.
Just like my power songs. HA!

Grilled Soy-Lime Chicken Breasts


Grilled Soy-Lime Chicken Breasts                                                                            Print this recipe!
Barely adapted from TheNewYorkTimes

Ingredients

4 skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
2 teaspoons fish sauce (I used Red Boat)
1 piece fresh ginger (2 inches), peeled and grated
3 garlic cloves, grated
2 limes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Sesame seeds (optional)
Red or green chiles, chopped (optional)

Directions

Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper.
Using a mallet or rolling pin, pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about ½ inch.
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, ginger, and garlic. Grate in the zest of one lime and the juice of one lime. Whisk in vegetable oil.
Add chicken breasts, cover, and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (marinate overnight for fullest flavor).
Heat a grill or a grill pan to medium-high (if you’re using an outdoor grill lightly oil the grill grates).
Grill until undersides are browned and chicken is about halfway cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Flip breasts and grill until chicken is through, about 5 to 6 minutes more.
Transfer chicken to a platter. Drizzle with a bit of olive and lime juice. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, and chopped chiles if desired. Serve!

Nutrition facts

One serving yields 362 calories, 12 grams of fat, 5 grams of carbs, and 56 grams of protein.

27 comments:

  1. I am dying over here. Just kidding. Eye of the Tiger...yup, old Marching Band piece from the 80s. Love the old Van Halen songs too. The chicken looks amazing!

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  2. YES to Rihanna and Kelly Clarkson (have no shame). And Eye of the Tiger is a classic!

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  3. Hahaha! You are a brave one Mike - I don't think I would admit to listening to anything by the Beebs! The two on my ipod accidentally transferred over from my daughter's playlist - promise!
    But, I will admit to loving this chicken - ginger and garlic are two of my staples - with that fish sauce -this must have been killer!

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  4. Hi Mike, you are so funny, and I mean that in a nice way. Anyway grilled chicken is one of my favorites, love the marinade.

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  5. I'm thinking that fish sauce addition takes it to another level... this looks mouthwatering.

    And how brave of you opening up about the motivational tunes! So here I go myself with my top 5, yep Rihanna is in there!
    Aural Psynapse - Deadmau5
    Turn Me On - David Guetta & Nicki Minaj
    S&M (Remix) - Rihanna & Britney Spears
    I Feel Loved (Danny Tenaglia's Labor of Love Edit) - Depeche Mode
    Bad Romance - Lady Gaga

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    1. Those are some pretty rad songs Kev. I'm a big fan of Depeche Mode too!

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  6. Hahahaha Mike, you're a riot. This post cracked me up!

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  7. Indeed, that's true about songs. I've got some I always listen to. Basically, I can easily listen to one song, over and over, for an hour or so. That really helps. But the difference is there is nothing to be ashamed in my list. And yours...yup...embarrassing. Hahah, just teasing. But at least you shouldn't be ashamed of this delicious chicken. That's the only thing that matters.

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    1. I'm not embarrassed anymore Ben, I've just confessed to listen to the Beebs, that's like hitting rock bottom!

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  8. haha!! loved reading your workout play list! I need fast, upbeat music .. usually Beyonce, Maroon 5, Taylor Swift or whatever. . good beats .. fast pace and I'm good!!! and love this flavor combo on the chicken!!!! love!!!!

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  9. This chicken looks like a winner! I love your secret music list - I would add a couple of my favorites -
    Poker Face/Lady Gaga
    Low/Flo-rida

    Don't you feel better?

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  10. I would hate to have my kids look at my workout music list! But I do go for the beat.
    Great looking chicken and a marinade full of flavor. Nice presentation!

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  11. Ok, so I lost all respect for you because you listen to Bieber. But then you gained all that respect right back with this grilled chicken. It looks amazing! And that soy + lime combo? I'd listen to Bieber just to eat this grilled chicken. #WolfpackTruths

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    1. I'm wolf enough to handle the Bieber, I hope you'll be too one day.

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  12. lol! The recipe looks yummy.

    http://xoxobella.com

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  13. Oh Mike... Not the Bieber! How could you do this to me? ;) Well, I guess I'll just HAVE to forgive you, since you did make us this delicious looking chicken! The combo of that lime and cilantro is spot on! Hmm...let's make a deal: you send me a heaping portion of this chicken, and I'll promise to never tell anyone about your love of Bieber songs ;)

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  14. You always have the best creative chicken recipes, and this one is no exception! I don't mind listening to all kinds of drivel when I'm working out as long as it has a good driving beat, and if we're being honest I like all sorts of music that's supposed to be embarrassing! :)

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  15. Hey Mike,
    If I have a fish allergy in the house, how would you recommend omitting the fish sauce? Replacements?

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