Cilantro Lime Chicken
If you’ve ever been tempted to bring a fiesta of flavors right onto your dinner plate, this is your go-to. Cilantro Lime Chicken is the zesty, refreshing burst you didn’t know you were missing. Packed with citrusy lime and fresh cilantro, this dish dances between tangy and savory in a way that’s almost addictive. Why should you try it? Because your taste buds deserve this kind of party, that’s why.
The first time I made this, my husband didn’t say a word for the first five minutes of dinner. This is a man who typically can’t stop talking about his day, and this silence was deafening in the most delicious way. By the end of the meal, he’d declared it a new family tradition. Now, we throw this chicken into our rotation more often than I care to admit, and every time, it feels like coming home to a warm, delicious hug.
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Chicken
– It’s got zing! A bright flavor explosion thanks to lime and cilantro.
– Easy enough for a weeknight, special enough for your next BBQ shindig.
– Versatile! Throw it over rice, into tacos, or just eat it like candy.
– Chef-level dish without chef-level stress. Trust me, it’s fail-proof.
This Cilantro Lime Chicken turned out absolutely delicious! The marinade is super easy to throw together and gives the chicken such a fresh, zesty flavor. I grilled mine and served it over rice—definitely adding this to my weeknight dinner rotation!
How to Make It
Start by not overthinking it, seriously. Mix your lime juice, zest, minced garlic, and cilantro in a bowl—don’t even pretend to measure cilantro, just go nuts. Coat your chicken in this magical mixture, let it marinate if you’re a patient soul, or cook right away if you’re like me and live dangerously. Sizzle it up in a hot pan with a swirl of oil until it’s golden and juicy. You want to hear it sing, like a little chicken choir. Flip, repeat on the other side until cooked through. That’s it—done and done.
Ingredient Notes
– Cilantro: This herb’s what gives it flair, but I know it’s polarizing. If you’re a hater… why are you here?
– Lime Juice & Zest: Seriously, nothing brightens up a protein like fresh lime. Don’t skimp.
– Garlic: Don’t fear the garlic. Vampires, maybe, but never garlic.
Recipe Steps
1. Combine lime juice, zest, garlic, and chopped cilantro in a bowl.
2. Coat chicken pieces thoroughly with the mixture.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
4. Place chicken in the pan, cooking until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Flip and cook the other side until no longer pink in the center.
6. Serve immediately, or enjoy the leftovers—they’re kind of epic cold.
What to Serve It With
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a fancy side dish. Some fluffy rice, a light salad, or even stuffed into a tortilla with your favorite toppings. Oh, and a cold drink. You earned it.
Tips & Mistakes
Don’t haphazardly guess the marinating time if you can avoid it—if it’s more than an hour, the lime can start cooking the chicken. Been there, learned the hard way.
Storage Tips
Pop leftovers into an airtight container and chill them in the fridge. They’re good for 3-4 days, to be honest. Cold chicken makes zero sense until you’ve had this one. Midnight snack much? Breakfast burrito? No judgment here.
Variations and Substitutions
I’ve subbed lemon when my lime stash was mysteriously absent—still fab. Honey gives a softer sweetness than sugar if you’re out. As for cilantro, if you’re one of those people who think it tastes like soap, try parsley. No hard feelings.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cilantro Lime Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 0.25 cup fresh lime juice about 2 limes
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
Featured Comments
“Super easy and turned out amazing! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
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“Super easy and will make again! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“This handheld recipe was will make again — the warming really stands out. Thanks!”
“Impressed! Clear steps and family favorite results. Perfect for busy nights.”
“Made this last night and it was family favorite. Loved how the crispy crust came together.”
“Impressed! Clear steps and absolutely loved results. Perfect for busy nights.”
“Super easy and so flavorful! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“This festive recipe was so flavorful — the zesty really stands out. Thanks!”
“Super easy and will make again! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
