Cilantro Lime Chicken is a dish that never fails to excite my taste buds and elevate my dinner table. The vibrant flavors of fresh cilantro and zesty lime come together in a harmonious blend that is both refreshing and satisfying. This recipe has roots in Mexican cuisine, where the combination of citrus and herbs is a staple, adding a burst of flavor to various dishes. Over the years, I have come to appreciate how cilantro lime chicken not only tantalizes the palate but also offers a convenient option for busy weeknights. The tender, juicy chicken paired with the bright, aromatic marinade creates a delightful experience that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether served with rice, in tacos, or on a salad, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings a taste of summer to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 lime, sliced (for garnish)
- Extra cilantro for garnish
Marinating the Chicken
To start, I like to prepare the marinade for the chicken. This is where all the flavor comes from, so don’t skip this step!
- In a medium bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, let it marinate for 2-4 hours. If you have time, marinating overnight is even better!
Preparing the Grill or Oven
While the chicken is marinating, I like to prepare my cooking area. You can either grill the chicken or bake it in the oven, depending on your preference.
- If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Cooking the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it! I love the smell of cilantro and lime wafting through the kitchen or backyard.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- If grilling, place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing nice grill marks to form.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- If baking, place the marinated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can also broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a nice golden color on top.
Resting the Chicken
After cooking, it’s important to let the chicken rest. This helps keep it juicy and tender.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board or plate and cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken.
Assembling and Serving
Now that the chicken is cooked and rested, it’s time to serve it up! I love to pair this dish with fresh sides.
- Slice the chicken breasts into strips or serve them whole, depending on your preference.
- Garnish with lime slices and extra chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
- Serve the cilantro lime chicken with your favorite sides. I often pair it with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. It also goes great in tacos or burrito bowls!
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (which I often do because this dish is so flavorful), here’s how to store them:
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
Conclusion:
In summary, this Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The vibrant flavors of fresh cilantro and zesty lime come together to create a dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it alongside a refreshing salad, on a bed of fluffy rice, or tucked into warm tortillas for tacos, the possibilities are endless. For a fun twist, consider marinating the chicken overnight for an even deeper flavor, or try adding some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences. I encourage you to give this Cilantro Lime Chicken a try and make it your own! Once you’ve whipped it up, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, variations, or even a photo of your creation. Cooking is all about sharing joy and flavor, and I can’t wait to see how you make this recipe uniquely yours! Print
Cilantro Lime Chicken: A Flavorful Recipe for Your Next Meal
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cilantro Lime Chicken is a vibrant and zesty dish featuring marinated chicken breasts grilled or baked to perfection. The fresh lime juice, garlic, and spices create a delicious flavor that pairs well with various sides, making it perfect for any meal. Enjoy it sliced in tacos, burrito bowls, or alongside rice and salads.
Ingredients
Scale- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 lime, sliced (for garnish)
- Extra cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, let it marinate for 2-4 hours. If you have time, marinating overnight is even better!
- If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- If grilling, place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing nice grill marks to form.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- If baking, place the marinated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can also broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a nice golden color on top.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board or plate and cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken.
- Slice the chicken breasts into strips or serve them whole, depending on your preference.
- Garnish with lime slices and extra chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
- Serve the cilantro lime chicken with your favorite sides. It pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. It also goes great in tacos or burrito bowls!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- This dish can be served warm or cold, making it great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
