Marinated and grilled, this Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is so easy to make.
Tender pieces of boneless chicken are marinated in zesty cilantro, lime, and garlic marinade for chicken that’s juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside!
This easy recipe needs little prep and few ingredients, but it’s loaded with big flavor.
A Zesty Chicken Favorite
We love grilled chicken breasts or thighs and this cilantro chicken is next level for a great marinade.
- With just a few ingredients, this recipe has big flavor.
- Quick and simple, perfect for those busy nights or summer barbeques!
- No grill? No problem! This dish can also be made in the oven as well, making it the perfect meal all year.
- Serve it with rice, in tacos, or chopped on a salad.
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Chicken – For this recipe, I love boneless skinless chicken thighs as they’re juicy and flavorful. You can use chicken breasts or bone-in chicken thighs or breasts, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Marinade – Marinades add flavor but also help to tenderize the meat. This marinade is a simple combination of lime juice, lime zest, cilantro leaves, and of seasonings. Feel free to add in jalapenos or extra red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Mix the marinade in a bowl or freezer bag per the recipe below.
- Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Broil, bake, or grill.
Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
Don’t marinate longer than 2 hours or the lime juice can make the chicken mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Cilantro Lime Rice
Side Dishes
How to Make Cauliflower Rice
Side Dishes
Mexican Corn Salad
Salads
Tips for Success
- Allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Fresh lime juice is best in this recipe, the flavor of bottled lime can be bitter.
- The best way to tell if the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer, it should reach 165°F.
- Leftover chicken is great in a sandwich or sliced over a bed of lettuce for a tasty next-day-at-work salad!
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Did you make this grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
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Cilantro Lime Chicken
Marinated Cilantro Lime Chicken is juicy and bursting with zesty flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes minutes
Marinate 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Holly Nilsson
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 lime for serving
Marinade
- ¼ cup cilantro fresh, minced plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons lime juice fresh
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine all marinade ingredients.
Add the chicken and toss well to combine. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
To Grill
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F). Lightly oil the grill.
Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 7-8 minutes. Turn over and cook an additional 6-8 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F.
Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with lime slices and additional chopped cilantro.
See AlsoOne-pan Baked Butter Chicken
Notes
- The marinade can be pulsed in a blender a couple of times if you prefer.
- Allow chicken to marinate at least 30 minutes.Due to the high amount of citrus in this recipe, don’t marinate longer than 2 hours.
- Fresh lime is best in this recipe, the flavor of bottled lime can be bitter.
- Optional add-ins: add 1 teaspoon of chili powder and/or 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper to the marinade to add a little bit of heat.
To Bake
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake 20-25 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F.
3. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Serve with lime slices and additional chopped cilantro.
To Broil Chicken
1. Place on a grate or rack on a foil lined pan.
2. Broil chicken 4-inches from the element for 5-6 minutes per side.
To Cook Bone-In Chicken Thighs or Breasts
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Add the chicken skin side down (reserve the marinade) and cook 3-4 minutes or until browned. Flip over and cook 2 minutes more.
3. Add remaining marinade to the pan. Bake 25-27 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F. Broil 2-3 minutes to crisp if desired.
4.99 from 103 votes
Nutrition Information
Calories: 565 | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 222mg | Sodium: 621mg | Potassium: 528mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 413IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Chicken, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican, Tex Mex
© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
Categories:
Chicken, , Main Dishes, Recipes
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About the author
Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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