Name: Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: Chicken: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, Marinade: ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes), 2 tablespoons lime zest, ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re craving a dish that bursts with zesty, fresh flavor and comes together in no time, this Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe is absolutely calling your name. The tender chicken soaks up a tangy lime and fragrant cilantro marinade, while aromatic garlic and a touch of smoky spice round out every bite. With just a handful of vibrant ingredients and a super-simple prep, this is one of those reliable meals you’ll keep coming back to, whether you’re grilling on a summer night or making a quick weeknight dinner indoors.

Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe is how a few everyday ingredients can transform simple chicken into an unforgettable meal. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s infusing juiciness, adding brightness, or rounding out the savory and spicy notes. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this recipe shine:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 ½ pounds): Chicken thighs offer juicy tenderness, but breasts work great if you prefer leaner cuts—choose whichever you love most!
Fresh lime juice (¼ cup, about 2 limes): Provides a punch of tart flavor that’s key for balancing out the richness of the chicken.
Lime zest (2 tablespoons): The zest intensifies the lime aroma and gives the marinade a sharper citrus kick.
Fresh cilantro, chopped (⅓ cup): Cilantro adds an unmistakable herbal freshness—don’t skip it!
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps the marinade come together and keeps the chicken impossibly moist and juicy.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): Aromatic garlic brightens up the whole dish and pairs perfectly with the citrus and herbs.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds some earthy, warm undertones to the flavor profile that make this dish downright addictive.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): A touch of smokiness and gentle heat, without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for amplifying all the other flavors and seasoning the chicken through and through.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to add a subtle peppery bite at the finish.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, olive oil, garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. You’ll notice the scents combine into an irresistible, zesty aroma—this marinade is what transforms plain chicken into the star of the show.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add your chicken thighs or breasts to the bowl and toss until they’re thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can really soak in. If you have time, leave it for up to 8 hours; the longer it sits, the deeper the flavor gets in this Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe.

Step 3: Heat Up Your Grill or Pan

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat. This is what gives the outside of the chicken its beautiful sear and slightly charred flavor—absolutely essential for locking in juiciness and adding that irresistible grilled note.

Step 4: Cook to Juicy Perfection

Take the chicken out of the marinade (let any excess drip off) and place it on your hot grill or pan. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) and there’s a lovely golden char on the outside. If you’re using thighs, they’ll stay moist and tender—breasts just need a watchful eye to keep them juicy.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This crucial pause keeps all the tasty juices inside, so each bite of your Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe is mouthwateringly delicious. Slice and serve with extra lime wedges and fresh cilantro for that extra burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten up your plate by showering the cooked chicken with more fresh cilantro and a few wedges of lime. The herbal pop from the cilantro and a final squeeze of lime really make those flavors sing. You can also sprinkle on some sliced green onions or a tiny dash of chili flakes for a bit of color and extra zing.

Side Dishes

This Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe is wonderfully versatile—it pairs perfectly with fluffy rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. You can tuck slices into warm tortillas for easy tacos, or pile them high onto a fresh salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, try serving it alongside roasted potatoes or black beans for a full meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the chicken and serve it as part of a build-your-own taco or burrito bowl night. Or, skewer pieces before grilling for tasty kebabs. Any leftovers also make an amazing addition to wraps, grain bowls, or even a loaded chicken sandwich with tangy slaw and a drizzle of your favorite creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s just as flavorful when eaten cold on a salad or quickly rewarmed for another meal.

Freezing

The cooked chicken freezes beautifully. Slice it or leave it whole, then wrap tightly and freeze in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating—great for speedy weeknight meals later on!

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat until heated through, or place it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil for 10–15 minutes. A splash of water or chicken broth can help keep the chicken moist as it reheats. The microwave also works in a pinch (about 1 minute per serving), just be careful not to overdo it.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to stay juicier, chicken breasts are a great lean option for this Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe. Just be careful not to overcook, and consider pounding them to an even thickness before marinating for the best results.

What’s the best way to juice and zest limes?

For maximum juice, roll your limes on the counter with gentle pressure before slicing. Use a microplane or small grater for zesting—avoid the bitter white pith beneath the green skin for the brightest limey flavor.

Can I bake instead of grill this recipe?

Definitely! This Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe bakes well in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. You’ll still get wonderful flavor, although you might miss that classic grilled char. For extra caramelization, try broiling briefly at the end.

Can I double the marinade for meal prepping?

Yes! If you want to use the marinade for basting or to flavor veggies, just double the quantities and set some aside before adding your raw chicken. Never reuse marinade that’s come in contact with uncooked meat unless it’s boiled first for food safety.

Is this Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?

It is! None of the ingredients contain gluten or dairy, making it a fantastic option for a wide range of dietary needs. Just make sure any sides you serve are also gluten and dairy free if that’s a concern.

Final Thoughts

This Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe is the kind of meal that brightens any table—simple, fresh, and absolutely bursting with flavor. If you haven’t tried it yet, I can’t recommend it enough for busy nights or get-togethers with friends. Give it a go, and discover just how delicious (and easy) homemade, vibrant chicken can be!

Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 6 reviews

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

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Description

This Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is a zesty and flavorful dish that is perfect for grilling. The combination of fresh lime juice, cilantro, and spices creates a delicious marinade for the chicken, resulting in juicy and tender meat with a hint of citrusy tang.

Ingredients

Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts,

Marinade:

¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes), 2 tablespoons lime zest, ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Marinate: Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
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, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is nicely charred. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve: Serve with extra lime wedges and fresh cilantro. Great over rice, in tacos, or on a salad.

Notes

This recipe works well with both chicken thighs and breasts, but thighs stay juicier on the grill.
You can also bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes if preferred.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling or Pan-Seared
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired