Cilantro lime chicken is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. The marinade comes together in minutes, infusing the chicken with tangy, herby goodness. It’s a great weeknight dinner option and ideal for meal prep, as it pairs well with many sides. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free with ease.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts fresh cilantro lime juice lime zest olive oil garlic honey ground cumin salt black pepper
Directions
In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for best flavor.
Preheat your grill, oven, or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is lightly charred and golden—about 6-7 minutes per side for thighs, or 5-6 minutes per side for breasts.
Let rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Prep time: 10 minutes Marinating time: 30 minutes to 8 hours Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 45 minutes to 8 hours (including marinating)
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos: Slice and serve in tortillas with avocado, slaw, and crema.
Oven-Baked Version: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
Dairy-Free: The recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just double-check any toppings.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowl: Serve over rice or quinoa with black beans, corn, and salsa.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or microwave in short intervals. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work just as well—just adjust cooking time so they don’t dry out.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but up to 8 hours is ideal for deeper flavor.
Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What does cilantro lime chicken pair well with?
It goes great with rice, grilled veggies, tortillas, or in a burrito bowl.
Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Yes, freeze the raw chicken in the marinade and thaw before cooking for a quick meal prep option.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you hit 165°F and let it rest before slicing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
Can I grill the chicken?
Absolutely. Grilling adds a smoky char that pairs well with the citrus and herbs.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
You can substitute parsley or basil, though the flavor profile will change.
Conclusion
Cilantro lime chicken is a vibrant, easy-to-make dish that bursts with fresh, zesty flavor. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-cooked, it delivers juicy, herb-infused results every time. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or standalone meals, it’s a flexible and crowd-pleasing recipe that deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
Cilantro lime chicken is a juicy, zesty dish marinated with lime juice, fresh cilantro, and spices, then grilled, baked, or pan-seared to perfection. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and great for tacos, bowls, or as a standalone main.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes to 8 hours (including marinating)
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main
Method:Grilling
Cuisine:Mexican-Inspired
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, chopped cilantro, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
Preheat grill, oven, or skillet to medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side for thighs or 5–6 minutes per side for breasts, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and outside is golden and slightly charred.
Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Serve as desired.
Notes
Marinate up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.Use fresh lime juice for the best taste.rill, bake, or pan-sear based on preference.Pairs well with rice, quinoa, tortillas, or salads.Freeze cooked or raw-marinated chicken for meal prep.
