This Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple preparation process, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on your table in no time. Let’s dive right into it!
Why This Is A Must-Try Chicken Recipe
- Lime and cilantro create an unforgettable taste.
- Easy for anyone to make in a flash.
- Totally Versatile, perfect for tacos, salads, or wraps.
- A healthy chicken recipe; lean protein with fresh herbs.
- Loved by kids and adults alike, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your household.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Ingredients
To make this easy cilantro lime chicken, you’ll need just a few easy-to-find ingredients that are bursting with flavor:
- Chicken: You can use chicken thighs or breasts. I’ve used boneless chicken breast for this recipe. Though, chicken thighs, especially if they have the bone and skin on, stay moist and get crispy during cooking, which adds a lot of deliciousness.
- Fresh Lime: Go for fresh lime juice because it has a lively taste that beats bottled lime juice. We also use the lime zest (the outer peel) to give it an extra lime kick.
- Cilantro: Chop up some fresh cilantro leaves to add a fresh, herby taste to your chicken recipe.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives an intense flavor to your chicken. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use ½ teaspoon garlic powder per clove as a substitute.
- Cumin: Ground cumin adds a rice and earthy taste to the chicken dish
- Honey: Honey brings a touch of sweetness that balances out the sourness of the lime and the strong taste of fresh garlic in the marinade. If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup instead.
How To Make Cilantro Lime Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly chopped cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the cilantro lime marinade over the chicken and turn to coat, making sure each breast is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 to 45 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Step 3: Grill, Bake, or Air Fry the Chicken
Choose your preferred cooking method:
Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard the marinade. Grill the chicken on a greased grating for 7-8 minutes on one side. Flip it over and grill for an additional 7-8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit while your oven heats up. Bake the chicken in the oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Skillet: Alternatively, you can also cook the cilantro lime chicken breast in a skillet. Cook the chicken breasts for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Air Fry: For air frying, cook the chicken at 380°F for five minutes on each side.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a drizzle of lime juice.
Variations on the Cilantro Lime Marinade
Feel free to get creative with your cilantro lime marinade. Here are some tasty variations that I’ve tried so far:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Sub Chicken Thighs
- Experiment with different herbs like fresh parsley or mint in addition to cilantro.
- Include a tablespoon of soy sauce or fish sauce for an umami twist.
How to Store and Reheat Cilantro Lime Chicken Breast
If you have leftovers (although it’s so good, you might not!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat to prevent it from drying out.
Ways To Serve Cilantro Lime Chicken
Now that your Cilantro Lime Chicken is ready, let’s talk about some delicious ways to enjoy it!
Tacos: Slice the grilled chicken and serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings like Pico de gallo, avocado, and sour cream.
Salad: Toss the sliced chicken with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, and a lime vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
Bowl: Create a bowl with rice, black beans, grilled chicken, and your choice of toppings like cheese, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
Wraps: Roll the chicken, sliced avocado, and shredded lettuce in a large tortilla for a portable and tasty meal.
Main Dish: Pair this cilantro lime chicken with delicious sides such as Refried Black Beans, , Brown Rice, or Quinoa. Or you can serve it with Mexican-inspired side dishes such as Corn Salsa with Lime, Black bean and corn salad, Mexican-style cauliflower Rice, or Mexican Stree Corn.
There you have it—Cilantro Lime Chicken that’s bursting with flavor and versatility. Whether you choose to serve it in tacos, salads, or bowls, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!