This Cilantro Lime Chicken is bright and zesty, perfect for a quick meal! With juicy chicken that’s marinated in lime juice and fresh cilantro, each bite is bursting with flavor.
I love serving it with rice or in tacos. It’s so tasty that it makes me feel like a chef, even when I just threw it together! 🙌
Making this dish is a breeze. Just mix the marinade, let the chicken soak, and grill or bake. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work fine too. Just remember that breasts may cook faster, so adjust your grilling time accordingly!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a good substitute. You could also try using fresh mint for a unique twist, but it will change the overall flavor a bit.
Lime Juice & Zest: Fresh limes are essential for that zesty flavor. If you only have bottled lime juice, use it, but fresh really makes a difference! You could substitute with lemon juice for a different, yet refreshing taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a punch of flavor. If you don’t have fresh on hand, garlic powder can work as a backup. Use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove of fresh garlic needed.
Spices: Ground cumin and chili powder are key to the marinade. If you don’t have chili powder, try smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or adjust the spices to your taste preferences!
How Do You Marinate Chicken to Maximize Flavor?
Marinating is a simple yet powerful technique that infuses flavors into the chicken. For this recipe, combine the marinade ingredients thoroughly before adding the chicken. This ensures every piece gets coated nicely.
- Mix lime juice, zest, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl to get an even blend.
- Place the chicken in a plastic bag or dish, pour the marinade over, and seal it tight. This helps the flavors penetrate.
- Refrigerate it for at least an hour; overnight is best for intense flavor. Just remember to discard the marinade before grilling!
Letting the chicken rest after grilling for a few minutes keeps it juicy, too. Enjoy your delicious meal!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 limes (juiced and zested)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnishing:
- Lime wedges
- Extra cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then at least 1 hour to marinate in the fridge. After that, grill time will be about 12-16 minutes. If you let it marinate overnight, you’ll get even more flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the juice and zest of the limes, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed. This will be the delicious marinade for your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s all coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it into the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you have the time. This helps to make the chicken really flavorful and juicy!
3. Get Grilling:
When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill to medium-high. Take the chicken out of the marinade and throw away any leftover marinade—it’s important to do this for food safety. Place the chicken on the grill and grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has nice grill marks!
4. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. When you’re ready to serve, slice the chicken and garnish it with lime wedges and extra cilantro. Enjoy your flavorful Cilantro Lime Chicken!
Can I Use Bone-in Chicken Instead of Thighs/ Breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will work well, but you’ll need to adjust your grilling time. Cook the chicken for about 12-15 minutes per side, or until it reaches the internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Make sure to check with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Can I Substitute Limes with Another Citrus?
Yes, if you don’t have limes on hand, fresh lemons or oranges can be used as substitutes for both juice and zest. Just keep in mind that using oranges will add a sweeter flavor profile to the dish!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but up to 24 hours is great for deeper flavor. Just be careful not to exceed 24 hours, as the acid in the lime juice can start to break down the chicken and affect its texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cilantro Lime Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can also add a splash of water or lime juice to keep it moist!
