Description
Cilantro Lime Chicken is a bright, zesty, and juicy dish combining fresh cilantro, tangy lime, and tender chicken for a flavorful, quick, and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or versatile enough to include in salads, wraps, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Marinade
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. This mixture will infuse the chicken with that signature tangy, herbaceous flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a sealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the top. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—ideally 2 hours—to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for a brighter, more natural flavor than bottled.
- Do not overcook the chicken; cook just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to keep it juicy.
- Marinate longer (up to 24 hours) for more intense flavor and tenderness.
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking to achieve better browning and caramelization.
- Save leftover marinade and reduce it over heat to make a delicious sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying or Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg