Cilantro Lime Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to make. The zesty lime juice and aromatic cilantro create a refreshing marinade that infuses the chicken with bold flavors. Whether you’re grilling for a summer barbecue or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl or resealable plastic bag
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Skillet, grill, or baking dish
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Make the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pan-Sear: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Rest the Chicken:
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve sliced chicken over a bed of cilantro lime rice or quinoa.
- Add it to tacos with fresh pico de gallo and avocado.
- Pair it with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a light meal.
Tips:
- For even more flavor, reserve a small portion of the marinade (before adding raw chicken) to drizzle over the cooked chicken.
- If using chicken thighs, adjust cooking times slightly as they may cook faster.
- Add a pinch of sugar to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
Cilantro Lime Chicken is a deliciously fresh and versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Its bold, citrusy flavors will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again!
Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
This Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is bursting with fresh, zesty flavors! Perfectly marinated and grilled, baked, or pan-seared, it's a versatile dish for tacos, salads, or a standalone meal.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl or resealable plastic bag
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Skillet, grill, or baking dish
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes about ¼ cup
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pan-Sear: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Rest the Chicken:
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
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