Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of zesty, citrusy goodness? Cilantro Lime Chicken is a recipe that never fails to impress. The combination of fresh lime juice, fragrant cilantro, and tender chicken makes it a versatile dish you can serve as a main course, in tacos, or over a bed of fluffy rice.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. A quick marinade does all the work, infusing the chicken with bold flavors. Grill it, pan-sear it, or bake it—however you choose, this dish brings sunshine to your plate with every bite.
Whether you’re cooking for a dinner party or just want to elevate your weekday meals, this Cilantro Lime Chicken will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, it’s a keeper!
Why This Cilantro Lime Chicken Will Wow You
- Bursting with Flavor: The marinade is a harmonious blend of tangy lime, savory garlic, and aromatic cilantro.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Grill, bake, or pan-fry—it’s delicious every way.
- Healthy & Fresh: A light, nutrient-packed dish perfect for clean eating.
Exciting Story
This dish was a happy accident that turned into a family favorite. One summer evening, I was experimenting with herbs from my garden, and cilantro was in abundance. I whipped up a lime-based marinade and grilled the chicken on a whim. My husband raved about it, and now it’s a regular on our weekly menu.
The kids love it wrapped in tortillas with a dollop of sour cream, while I enjoy it over salad greens. It’s one of those meals that effortlessly brings everyone together, whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue.
Why This Cilantro Lime Chicken?
Selling Points
- Bright and Citrusy: Perfect for summer or anytime you need a flavor boost.
- Quick Prep: The marinade comes together in just minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Versatile enough for tacos, salads, or standalone.
Cuisine
Mexican-Inspired
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Marinating Time: It’s crucial for the chicken to absorb the zesty flavors.
- Use Fresh Lime and Cilantro: It makes all the difference in taste.
- Check Internal Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Options: Try this marinade with shrimp, salmon, or tofu.
- Herb Swap: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or basil works well.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
Make It Healthier
- Use skinless chicken breasts for leaner protein.
- Opt for avocado oil instead of olive oil for added health benefits.
- Pair it with a quinoa salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Closing in Todd Wilbur Style
And there you have it—your next favorite weeknight dish: Cilantro Lime Chicken! It’s quick, fresh, and versatile, making it a must-have for any recipe repertoire. Pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the vibrant flavors that make this dish truly special. Don’t forget to explore more of our recipes for easy and delicious ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours to prevent the lime juice from breaking down the chicken too much.
Q: Can I freeze marinated chicken?
A: Absolutely! Place the chicken in the marinade in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: What sides go well with Cilantro Lime Chicken?
A: Serve it with rice, black beans, roasted vegetables, or in tacos for a complete meal.
Enjoy this vibrant and fresh dish! 😊
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Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken
Description
Kitchies! Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of zesty, citrusy goodness? Cilantro Lime Chicken is a recipe that never fails to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3Â oranges
- 3Â limes
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2-1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
For Serving
- 1 batch mango-avocado salsa
- Cilantro-lime rice or coconut-lime rice, optional
Instructions
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Zest orange and lime with a zester to get 1 teaspoon of zest from each. Juice them using a citrus juicer to get 3/4 cup orange juice and 1/3 cup lime juice.
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Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Reserve 1/2 cup marinade and pour the rest into a large resealable bag.
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Trim chicken of fat. Pound chicken to even thickness or slice in half to get evenly sized breasts and place in bag with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and flip the bag halfway through. Marinate for up to 6 hours.
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Preheat the grill to 450°F and lightly oil the grill grate or grill pan. Place the marinated chicken on the grill, discarding any leftover marinade.Â
For baking or pan-searing options, refer to the “Alternate Cooking Methods” section in the full post.
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Grill for 10–12 minutes or until chicken juices run clear and internal temperature is 165℉ (see note 1). Flip chicken halfway and brush it generously with reserved 1/2 cup marinade.
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Prepare mango-avocado salsa.
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If desired, prepare cilantro-lime or coconut rice.
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Serve grilled chicken over a bed of rice (if prepared) and top with mango-avocado salsa. Enjoy immediately!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
