Description
This vibrant Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe features juicy boneless chicken marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and spices. Perfectly grilled to develop a golden char, this dish is a flavorful, healthy option ideal for quick weeknight dinners, tacos, salads, or burrito bowls.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl or resealable bag, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, honey, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, tossing gently to fully coat the meat. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, then place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: About 10 minutes before cooking, preheat your grill, grill pan, or a skillet over medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough to sear the chicken and create lovely char marks.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the hot grill or pan. Cook each side for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown with char marks.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Slice and garnish with additional fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired before serving.
Notes
- Serve this chicken with steamed rice, inside tacos, over fresh salads, or as a topping for burrito bowls for a versatile meal.
- For an extra burst of flavor, reserve a few tablespoons of the marinade before adding raw chicken and drizzle it over the cooked chicken just before serving.
- This dish can also be baked by cooking at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes if you prefer a hands-off method.
- Ensure not to reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination unless boiled first.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
