Cilantro Lime Chicken incredibly delicious, juicy, spruced-up chicken marinated with cilantro, chili, and lime juice. You can grill it, cook it on the stove top or bake it, which makes this a great dish to prepare and enjoy during the week. This dish will also know your guests where tired.

Family of four happily eating Cilantro Lime Chicken at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Will Love This Cilantro Lime Chicken

We love to include cilantro lime chicken in our summer BBQs. Marinade is very easy and fast to prepare, only some simple ingredients and less than 5 minutes. Grilled, stovetop-cooked, or broiled in the oven. The bright cilantro and sharp lime make the chicken taste so fresh, like summer in every bite; ideal for any outdoor occasion. Scroll down for the super easy steps to having this scrumptious creation at your next event.

How to Make Your Cilantro Lime Chicken

Mix all the marinade ingredients together.

Marinade Preparation and Chicken Marination

Preparing the Chicken and marinating In a large bowl, put together ist step’s marinade. Combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, lime juice (1/4 cup), minced garlic (3 cloves), finely chopped cilantro leaves or parsley (about 2 large bunches and leave some to garnish), salt (1 teaspoon), and ground black pepper.(.5 tsp. paprika powder; You can use smoked variety as well). a little honey, Squeeze Heat on high flame; reduce heat. Then mix the ingredients really well until they are combined. Then add a couple of chicken breast or thighs, about 2 lbs to the bowl and make sure to mix them around in the marinade so every piece is coated for maximum flavor. 2) Cover the bowl with saran wrap or put a lid on it, then pop in fridge. Marinate the chicken at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate up to 2 hours for best flavor.

Cooking Methods for Cilantro Lime Chicken

Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has nice grill marks.

Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has nice grill marks.

Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the chicken, and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it is golden brown and cooked through.

Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the chicken, and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it is golden brown and cooked through.

Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken in a baking dish for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Tips and Tricks:

How to tenderize the chicken: Using a meat mallet, pound down the chicken breasts into an even thickness.
Add Fresh Lime Zest to the marinade for a citrus boost via zest it up.
Resting Time: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes so it stays juicy.
Make it Hot: Add a few red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra zing!
Meal Prep Grilled Chicken: This chicken makes a great meal prep! Storing: Place in a closed container into the refrigerator for about 4 days.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving):

Calories: 275
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 3g

Grilled cilantro lime chicken sliced and garnished with lime wedges

Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

Pamela J. Willis

Cilantro Lime Chicken is one of the simplest recipes for chicken, and it can be grilled or baked in a skillet. The flavor in the marinade is amazing and makes for very juicy, tender chicken each time! This Mexican-inspired recipe will sure to be your new favorite.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 people

Calories 275 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breast or thighs (about 4 small/medium chicken breasts)
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
1 teaspoon salt or to test
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 tablespoon honey
1 lime, cut into wedges for serving

Instructions

Marinade Instructions: Combine oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, pepper, paprika, and honey in a bowl.

Notes

Marinating Time: For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, making it more delicious and tender.

Fresh Cilantro: Always use fresh cilantro for the best flavor. Fresh herbs provide a vibrant taste that dried herbs cannot match.

Lime Juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice. It offers a tangy and zesty flavor that enhances the dish significantly.

Cooking Time: Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Thicker pieces may require a bit more time to cook through completely.

Serving Suggestions: Serve Cilantro Lime Chicken with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Keyword chicken breast recipes, cilantro, cilantro lime chicken, Easy Chicken Recipes,, grilled chicken