The Zesty Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Tender grilled chicken with zesty cilantro lime marinade promises a burst of mouthwatering flavor.

Weeknight dinners just became seriously exciting with this simple yet incredible recipe.

Fresh herbs and citrus combine to create something magical on your plate.

You’ll want to bookmark this technique for summer gatherings and casual meals.

Each bite delivers a bright, tangy sensation that awakens your taste buds.

Marinating unlocks incredible depths of savory goodness in every tender piece of meat.

This recipe guarantees a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tasty Sides With Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

• Refresh with Citrus Cocktail: Whip up a zesty margarita or paloma that complements the lime and cilantro notes in the chicken, boosting the bright, tangy flavors while cooling down the meal's subtle heat.
• Cool Down with Crisp Salad: Prepare a light cucumber and avocado salad with a similar lime-cilantro dressing, creating a refreshing side that echoes the chicken's vibrant marinade without overwhelming the main dish.
• Pair with Herbal White Wine: Select a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio with herbal undertones that will enhance the cilantro's freshness and balance the chicken's zesty, slightly spicy profile.
• Serve Alongside Cilantro Rice: Create a simple cilantro-lime rice that mirrors the marinade's flavors, providing a cohesive and delicious base that absorbs the chicken's delectable juices.

Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Variations To Try

• Spicy Southwest Splash: Amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the marinade for a fiery southwestern kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Tropical Coconut Fusion: Incorporate coconut milk into the marinade for a creamy, island-inspired version that brings a smooth richness to the grilled chicken.
• Herb Garden Remix: Swap some cilantro with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or mint to create a vibrant, garden-fresh flavor profile that brightens the entire dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Mix in dried oregano, rosemary, and a splash of red wine vinegar to transform the chicken into a Mediterranean-style grilled masterpiece with deep, complex flavors.

Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken FAQs

FAQs for Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken:

• What makes this marinade so special?

The combination of lime, cilantro, and honey creates a vibrant, tangy-sweet flavor that perfectly tenderizes the chicken while adding incredible depth to every bite.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! This marinade works wonderfully with chicken breasts, tenders, or even a whole chicken. Just adjust cooking time based on the cut’s thickness to ensure it reaches 165F internally.

• Is there a substitute for fresh cilantro if I don't have any?

If fresh cilantro isn’t available, you can use dried cilantro (use about 1/3 the amount) or even fresh parsley for a similar herbal note. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

• How can I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Always clean and oil your grill grates before cooking. Pat the chicken dry before grilling and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to help prevent sticking and promote even cooking.

Why Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Is So Zesty

• Speed Up Meal Prep: This cilantro lime chicken marinade comes together in minutes, making weeknight dinners quick and stress-free for busy home cooks.
• Burst with Vibrant Flavors: The combination of zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and warm spices like cumin and chili powder creates a mouthwatering taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken into an exciting meal.
• Flexible Cooking Option: Perfect for grilling outdoors or using a grill pan inside, this recipe adapts easily to different cooking environments while maintaining delicious results.
• Customize Your Meal: With a simple marinade that works great for various chicken cuts, you can prepare this dish for different preferences – from boneless breasts to bone-in thighs, making it versatile for multiple occasions.

What You Need For Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

• Chicken: Protein choice for a lean and flavorful main dish, best with boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, fresh and high-quality meat recommended.

• Olive Oil, Lime Juice: Helps tenderize meat and create a smooth, zesty coating, extra virgin olive oil adds rich flavor, fresh lime juice provides bright citrus notes.
• Lime Zest: Intensifies lime flavor with concentrated citrus oils, use fresh limes for best results.

• Cilantro: Adds fresh, herbal flavor with bright green color, use fresh leaves for maximum taste.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic base flavor, fresh garlic cloves recommended over pre-minced.
• Honey: Balances acidity and adds subtle sweetness, helps create caramelization during grilling.
• Cumin: Brings warm, earthy undertones typical in Mexican and Southwest cuisine.
• Chili Powder: Adds mild heat and complex spice profile, can adjust amount for personal preference.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor and seasoning, use kosher or sea salt for best results.

Steps To Cook Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• Olive oil
• Lime juice and zest
• Minced garlic
• Honey
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the marinade looks beautifully blended and smells incredible.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Drop the chicken into the marinade, making sure every inch gets covered with the zesty mixture. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and slide it into the refrigerator. Let the chicken soak up all those amazing flavors for 30 minutes to 8 hours.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to medium-high heat. Pull the chicken out of the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken take a quick break for 5 minutes after grilling. This helps keep all those delicious juices locked inside. Slice the chicken and garnish with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro.

Pro Tip: Serve alongside a crisp salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Tips That Help With Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

• Maximize Marinating Magic: Let chicken soak in the zesty cilantro lime marinade for up to 8 hours to infuse deep, vibrant flavors that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Temperature Triumph: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F, guaranteeing juicy, perfectly cooked meat without any dry disappointment.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions who don't want to compromise on taste.
• Herb Hack: Chop fresh cilantro right before serving to maintain its bright, crisp flavor and add a gorgeous pop of green to your grilled chicken.
• Meal Prep Marvel: Grill extra chicken and store in the refrigerator for quick salads, wraps, or lunch bowls throughout the week, saving time and keeping meals exciting.

How To Store Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

• Refrigerate leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Properly stored chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and keep the meat juicy.
• Freeze extra portions for up to 4 months by storing in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat in the microwave or oven to preserve the chicken's tenderness.

Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty cilantro lime grilled chicken delivers a Mexican-inspired flavor explosion that dances on dinner plates. Marinated in bright herbs and citrus, this juicy chicken promises a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Marinade Liquids:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons lime zest
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by combining zesty lime juice and fragrant zest with verdant cilantro, minced garlic, golden honey, earthy cumin, spicy chili powder, and seasoning for a flavor-packed coating.
2. Immerse chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, then seal in a container and allow flavors to meld in the refrigerator for a minimum of half an hour or up to eight hours for maximum taste infusion.
3. Heat outdoor grill to a medium-high temperature, creating ideal charring conditions for the marinated chicken.
4. Carefully remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip away, and place directly on preheated grill grates.
5. Cook chicken methodically, turning once midway through grilling, for approximately 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F.
6. Remove chicken from grill and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring optimal tenderness.
7. Slice chicken against the grain and garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs and vibrant lime wedges for an extra burst of citrusy brightness.

Notes

• Swap out honey for agave nectar or maple syrup to make the recipe vegan-friendly and maintain the same sweet undertone.
• Use less chili powder or omit entirely for a milder version that’s perfect for those with sensitive taste buds.
• Maximize flavor absorption by piercing chicken with a fork before marinating, allowing the tangy lime and aromatic cilantro to penetrate deeper into the meat.
• For a low-carb option, serve the grilled chicken over a crisp salad instead of traditional sides, keeping the meal light and nutritious.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg