Hey there my friend. If you love bold and tangy flavors, you are going to enjoy this cilantro lime chicken. The marinade is the real MVP here—it soaks into the chicken, making it juicy and full of flavor.
And guess what? You can cook this on a stovetop, grill, or oven. It’s that flexible. Let’s get right into it.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Ziplock bag or shallow dish
- Tongs
- Grill pan, skillet, or baking dish
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Important Info
- Servings: 4 chicken breasts
- Estimated Cost: Around $10 to $15, depending on ingredient prices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Additional Time: 30 minutes (marinating time)
- Calories per Serving: About 250 calories
- Cook Method: Grilling, Stovetop, or Baking
- Season: Perfect for Spring and Summer
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet, LowCalorieDiet, LowFatDiet
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Chicken thighs |
| Fresh lime juice | Bottled lime juice |
| Olive oil | Avocado oil |
| Fresh cilantro | Parsley or basil |
| Garlic cloves | Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) |
| Ground cumin | Taco seasoning |
| Paprika | Smoked paprika or chili powder |
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, lime zest, cilantro, garlic, cumin, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
- Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat it to 400°F.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off the excess.
- For grilling or stovetop: Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- For baking: Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Pound the chicken—If the chicken breasts are thick, pound them slightly for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the resting time—Letting the chicken sit for a few minutes after cooking keeps it juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer—This helps avoid overcooking. The safe internal temperature is 165°F.
- Double the marinade—Set some aside before adding the raw chicken, so you have extra for drizzling over the cooked chicken.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Chicken
This chicken goes well with many side dishes. You can serve it with:
- Rice (white, brown, or cilantro lime rice)
- Grilled or roasted vegetables
- Tortillas for a taco-style meal
- Black beans or refried beans
- A fresh salad
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like serving this chicken with warm rice and extra lime wedges on the side. If you want to be fancy, you can slice it and lay it on a bed of greens with a light dressing.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This dish is great for BBQs, summer gatherings, or even meal prep for the week. It’s portable and tastes just as good cold, so it’s a solid option for picnics and lunchboxes.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you are serving within 2 hours, keep the chicken covered in a warm spot.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts.
Freezing
- Let the chicken cool completely before freezing.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time since they may take a bit longer to cook.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the fridge. If freezing, marinate and freeze it raw. Thaw and cook when ready.
What if I don’t have fresh limes?
You can use bottled lime juice, but fresh lime juice gives the best taste. If you don’t have limes, lemon juice can work too.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, but you can add chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you want a little heat.
Can I grill this chicken outdoors?
Yes. If grilling outside, cook over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
