This recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The lime juice tenderizes the chicken while the cilantro and garlic infuse it with bright, herbal notes. It’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and high in protein, making it a versatile and healthy choice. Plus, it works beautifully with a variety of cooking methods and pairs well with countless side dishes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Fresh cilantro (chopped)
Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Lime zest
Garlic (minced)
Olive oil
Ground cumin
Salt
Black pepper
Honey or brown sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
Make the marinade: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, salt, pepper, and honey or red pepper flakes if using.
Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours. Do not marinate for more than 8 hours to avoid mushy texture from the lime juice.
Cook the chicken:
To grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
To pan-sear: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake in a baking dish for 20–25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time: 10 minutes Marinating time: 30 minutes to 4 hours Cooking time: 15–25 minutes (depending on method) Total time: about 1 hour (with minimum marination)
Variations
Spicy Cilantro Lime Chicken: Add jalapeños or more crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos: Slice and serve in tortillas with avocado, slaw, and crema.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls: Serve over rice or quinoa with black beans and grilled vegetables.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad: Slice and add to a fresh green salad with avocado and a lime vinaigrette.
Dairy-Free Option: This recipe is naturally dairy-free—no changes needed.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Freeze uncooked, marinated chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.
What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless thighs offer more flavor and stay juicy, but breasts work great too for a leaner option.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
30 minutes is the minimum, but 2–4 hours is ideal. Avoid marinating overnight, as lime juice can break down the chicken too much.
Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What should I serve with cilantro lime chicken?
It pairs well with rice, black beans, grilled corn, avocado, tortillas, or a fresh salad.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. It’s great for prepping in advance, and cooked chicken can be added to multiple meals throughout the week.
Can I grill this on a stovetop grill pan?
Absolutely. Use a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook as you would on an outdoor grill.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan or grill when cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken a few hours ahead, or cook and store it for later use throughout the week.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Avoid overcooking and let it rest before slicing. Using thighs instead of breasts can also help keep it moist.
Conclusion
Cilantro Lime Chicken is a flavorful, fresh, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bright citrus notes and herbaceous marinade, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that fits into many meals—from tacos to salads to rice bowls. Quick to prepare and incredibly versatile, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Cilantro Lime Chicken is a zesty and flavorful dish made with chicken marinated in lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and spices. Grilled, baked, or pan-seared, it’s juicy, aromatic, and perfect for tacos, bowls, salads, or a stand-alone entree.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Grilling, Baking, Pan-Searing
Cuisine:Mexican-Inspired
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 tsp lime zest
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, pepper, and optional honey and red pepper flakes.
Add chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours (no more than 8).
To grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
To pan-sear: Heat a skillet with a little oil over medium heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake chicken for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.
Notes
Use thighs for more flavor and moisture; breasts for a leaner option.Don’t over-marinate—the acid in lime juice can break down the meat if left too long.Great for meal prep—store leftovers and reuse in tacos, salads, or bowls.Freeze uncooked, marinated chicken for up to 2 months.Fresh lime juice is recommended for best results.
