Description
Cilantro Lime Chicken: Juicy chicken marinated in zesty lime and fresh cilantro. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for a crowd!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lime juice (approximately 3–4 limes)
- Zest from 2 limes
- ½ cup (30g) fresh cilantro, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon (15g) honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Marinade In a medium bowl, combine the lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Whisk vigorously until the ingredients are well incorporated and the honey has dissolved completely. The marinade should look vibrant green with specks of cilantro throughout – this visual cue tells you the flavors are properly distributed.
- Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Place your chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag while removing as much air as possible, and massage gently to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. This hands-on approach guarantees the marinade reaches all surfaces of the chicken. Place the bag on a plate or in a bowl (to catch any potential leaks) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally 4-6 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Step 3: Prepare for Cooking Thirty minutes before cooking, remove the chicken from the refrigerator to allow it to come to room temperature. This crucial step promotes even cooking. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F) or heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. If using a skillet, add a tablespoon of oil once hot.
- Step 4: Cook the Chicken Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. For grilling, place chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side for breasts or 6-8 minutes per side for thighs, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If using a skillet, cook for similar times, adjusting as needed. You’re looking for a nice char on the outside while maintaining juiciness inside – the hallmark of perfect Cilantro Lime Chicken.
- Step 5: Rest and Serve Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes – this patience rewards you with juicier results. After resting, slice the chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and lime wedges before serving your beautifully prepared Cilantro Lime Chicken.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast/thigh
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg