Looking for more recipes with similar flavors? Try my One Pan Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice (with Black Beans), Street Tacos, or Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa.
Flavorful Cilantro-Lime Chicken Recipe
A incredibly delicious chicken recipe I turn to time and time again! It’s super easy yet always wows with flavor! Plus it only requires a few fresh ingredients and cooking it couldn’t be easier. Not to mention everyone loves it! Who can resist those perfectly browned edges? It’s versatile too. You can throw this cilantro-lime chicken in tacos, grill bell peppers alongside it and serve it fajita style, make a burrito bowl, or build up a tostada – piled high with the works of course. Or just keep it super simple and serve it with rice and it’s still plenty good enough to impress. The best way to brighten up chicken is with fresh citrus and this recipe is proof of that. It’s grilling season so let’s enjoy! Happy Cinco de Mayo to those celebrating!
Cilantro-Lime Chicken Ingredients
Chicken thighs: I like to use boneless skinless here, though bone-in, skin on will work too if going the grilling route (increase grill time of course). Boneless skinless chicken breasts work great here too if that’s what you prefer. Limes: Don’t forget to zest before slicing and juicing. I’ve done this myself a few times and it’s always much easier to zest whole limes. Olive oil: Just use standard refined olive oil not extra-virgin. Fresh cilantro: You’ll need about 1 bunch for this recipe. Garlic: It’s all about the fresh garlic for here, no powder. This builds up another layer of great flavor. Honey: Only a tiny is used, not to sweeten the chicken you won’t even notice any of that. Rather it is use to encourage browning. If you are pan searing chicken on the stovetop though skip this. Cumin: This spice pairs so well with cilantro and lime. It adds a light earthy flavor. Salt and pepper: I’ve listed the amounts I prefer in the recipe but of course adjust this to taste.
Continue scrolling down for ingredient amounts, directions and print option.
How to Make Cilantro-Lime Chicken
To make the marinade:
How to Cook It
Grill Method:
Stovetop Method:
How Long to Marinate Chicken?
With a very acidic marinade like this I don’t recommend marinating longer than 8 hours for thighs or 4 hours for chicken breasts as it can start to alter the texture of the chicken. This marinade is super flavorful so 1 hour is even plenty.
What Sides to go with Cilantro-Lime Chicken?
Some of the things I love to serve this chicken with include:
Coconut Rice Grilled Corn on the Cob Grilled mini bell peppers Tortilla chips and salsa Fresh pineapple or mango (a sweet fruit to balance the tart) Avocado slices
Tips:
For the most tender results go with thighs instead of breasts (I used to always cook chicken breasts until I realized how much better thighs can be). They have more flavor too. Don’t skip marinating time to allow the flavors to penetrate. Use freshest ingredients for best flavor. Careful not to overcook the chicken or it will start to dry out (especially if you opt to use chicken breasts, thighs don’t dry as easily). Use an instant read thermometer to test doneness in center of portions to 165 degrees, for both food safety reasons and again so chicken doesn’t start to dry.
More Delicious Mexican Chicken Dinners to Try
Chicken Enchiladas Chicken Tortilla Soup Chicken Fajitas Salsa Chicken Tacos (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot) Salsa Verde Chicken
