Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a fast, flavor-packed main dish that brings a vibrant, zesty punch to any table, the Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe is here to shake up your dinnertime routine! Succulent chicken is marinated with tangy lime, fragrant cilantro, and plenty of bold spices, creating a juicy, aromatic bite that’s as perfect for busy weeknights as it is alongside friends at a backyard grill-out. Every element of this dish, from the lively marinade to the charred finish, makes it a go-to favorite you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is truly a recipe where every ingredient matters! You only need a handful of simple, honest pantry staples, but each one brings something special—whether it’s a fresh, citrusy zing or hearty warmth that carries the whole dish.

  • Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless and skinless options for the juiciest, easiest results—thighs add even more flavor, while breasts are a bit lighter.
  • Olive oil: This is the base of your marinade, infusing the chicken with rich moisture and helping all those fresh flavors cling to every bite.
  • Lime juice: Fresh-squeezed is the magic ingredient that gives our Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe its signature tang and brightness.
  • Lime zest: A little zest goes a long way in intensifying the citrus aroma and flavor.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic creates a mouthwatering aroma and savory undertone.
  • Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a pop of color and herby vibrance, making every forkful unforgettable.
  • Ground cumin: This classic, earthy spice gives the marinade depth without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
  • Chili powder: Provides just the right hint of warmth and color, balancing the zest and herbs beautifully.
  • Salt: Essential for bringing all of the flavors together and ensuring the chicken is well seasoned.
  • Black pepper: A touch adds gentle heat and rounds out the flavor profile.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This bright, punchy marinade is what transforms plain chicken into the star of the show, infusing every piece with color, freshness, and just a hint of spice. Don’t be shy—taste the marinade before adding the chicken so you can adjust the salt or lime if you want an extra zing.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pop your chicken into a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour that gorgeous marinade right over it, turning each piece to coat evenly. Seal or cover, then place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—but if you have the time, let it go for up to 8 hours for maximum flavor. The chicken will soak up all of those juicy, citrus and herb notes, making it extra tender and delicious when it hits the grill or pan.

Step 3: Grill or Sear to Perfection

Preheat your grill, grill pan, or trusty skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, remove the chicken from the marinade (letting any excess drip off) and lay it on the grill or pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, flipping just once, until the chicken is beautifully charred on the edges and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. That slight char adds a subtle smokiness and brings out all the flavors of the Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe.

Step 4: Rest, Slice, and Serve

As tempting as it is to dive right in, let the cooked chicken rest on a plate for 5 minutes so all those flavorful juices can settle. Slice or serve whole and, for that extra flourish, add a spritz of fresh lime or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro right before bringing it to the table. Every bite will be bursting with brightness!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Garnishing takes this dish from delicious to downright irresistible. I love to serve extra lime wedges on the side for drizzling, plus a generous scattering of fresh cilantro leaves for more color and freshness. For an extra pop, you can even add sliced avocado, a little crumbled cotija cheese, or thinly sliced jalapeños if you like things spicy!

Side Dishes

The versatility of the Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe makes it a superstar with almost any side! Fluffy rice, warm corn tortillas, grilled veggies, or even a crisp salad all pair beautifully. If you want to keep things comforting, try cilantro-lime rice or roasted sweet potatoes to soak up those zesty juices.

Creative Ways to Present

This chicken isn’t just great on its own! Tuck slices into tacos alongside fresh slaw, dice it over a loaded grain bowl, or cut it into strips for a hearty salad. Leftovers also make fantastic wraps or meal-prep lunches for the week ahead. It’s a recipe that genuinely adapts to whatever you’re craving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors of the Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe will keep developing, making for extra tasty lunches and dinners as the week goes on.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze marinated or cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label it and remove as much air as possible to keep it at its freshest. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or cooking.

Reheating

To reheat, slice the chicken and warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in short bursts, but covering the chicken loosely helps prevent it from drying out. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice, bringing extra juiciness and plenty of flavor to the Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe. Adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs can be thicker and may need a minute or two longer.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate, but for the most vibrant and tender chicken, I recommend going up to 4–8 hours if you have the time. Just remember not to marinate for more than 12 hours, as the acid from the lime can start to break down the chicken too much.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Definitely! The marinade for the Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe can be mixed up to two days in advance and kept in the refrigerator. Just add the chicken when you’re ready to marinate for ultimate convenience.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe has just the right amount of warmth from chili powder and cumin, but isn’t very spicy. If you want an extra kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne or add some diced jalapeño to the marinade.

Can I cook the chicken in the oven?

Yes! Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 18–22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can broil it for the last minute to achieve that lovely golden char.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re firing up the grill or searing on the stovetop, this Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe is destined to become a new favorite. The fresh, bold marinade does all the heavy lifting, making it simple enough for a weeknight yet exciting enough for guests. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it instantly disappears!

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Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

This Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is a zesty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. The combination of fresh cilantro, tangy lime, and savory spices creates a delicious marinade for juicy chicken breasts or thighs. Whether grilled or cooked on the stovetop, this dish is versatile and can be served in various ways, from tacos to salads.


Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • juice of 2 limes
  • zest of 1 lime
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Mix Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Cook Chicken: Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is charred. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with lime wedges and cilantro.

Notes

  • This chicken is versatile and can be used in various dishes like tacos, salads, or over rice.
  • For extra spice, consider adding cayenne or jalapeño to the marinade.
  • Leftovers make great meal prep options for busy days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling or Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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