Cilantro Lime Chicken

This cilantro lime chicken is juicy, zesty, and bursting with fresh flavor—perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. It’s a quick and versatile recipe the whole family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and tangy flavor from fresh lime juice and fragrant cilantro
• Easy to prep and cook—ready in under 30 minutes!
• Versatile: great for tacos, salads, rice bowls, or on its own
• Healthy and light: high-protein, low-carb, and naturally gluten-free
• Perfect for meal prep—it stores and reheats beautifully
• Grill, bake, or sear depending on your preference or season
• Family-friendly—a mild heat with bold taste everyone enjoys
• Customizable with your favorite spices or add-ons

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• Zest of 1 lime
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Lime wedges and extra cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Make the Marinade
   In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro.
2. Marinate the Chicken
   Place chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken
   Choose your preferred method:
   • Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
   • Pan-Sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high with a drizzle of oil. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
   • Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes.
4. Rest and Serve
   Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with lime wedges and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
• Calories per serving: 290 (approximate)

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or a diced jalapeño to the marinade
• Creamy Version: Stir in 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt for a tangy marinade twist
• Dairy-Free Tacos: Serve in warm tortillas with avocado and salsa
• Oven-Baked Tray Bake: Roast with bell peppers and red onions for a full meal
• Cilantro-Free Option: Swap cilantro for parsley if you’re not a fan
• Citrus Twist: Mix in some orange juice for a sweeter flavor
• Low-FODMAP: Use garlic-infused oil instead of fresh garlic
• Frozen Meal Prep: Marinate, freeze raw, and thaw before cooking

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze cooked or marinated raw chicken up to 3 months
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. Add a splash of water or lime juice to prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work great—just make sure not to overcook them to keep them juicy.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor, marinate for 2–4 hours. Overnight is great too!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate the chicken the night before, or even freeze it in the marinade for a ready-to-cook meal later.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mildly spiced. If you like heat, add chili flakes or jalapeño. Otherwise, it’s very kid-friendly.

What sides go well with cilantro lime chicken?

Try rice, grilled corn, avocado salad, black beans, or roasted veggies.

Can I bake it instead of grilling?

Yes! Baking at 400°F for 20–25 minutes is a great option if you don’t want to grill or pan-fry.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—chicken is fully cooked at 165°F in the thickest part.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just double all ingredients and cook in batches or on a large sheet pan.

Does it taste like soap if I hate cilantro?

Some people are sensitive to cilantro’s flavor. If you’re one of them, swap it for parsley or fresh basil.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime juice gives the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch—just look for one without added sugar or preservatives.

Conclusion

This cilantro lime chicken is everything you want in a quick and flavorful meal—zesty, juicy, and downright delicious. Whether you grill it for summer BBQs or bake it for a cozy dinner, it’s a foolproof go-to recipe. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular on your weeknight menu!

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