Description
Forget boring chicken dinners! This zesty cilantro lime marinade transforms plain chicken into a flavor fiesta that’s ready in minutes but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lime juice (approximately 2–3 limes)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1 cup (16g) fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (stems included)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon (15g) honey or brown sugar (optional, for balance)
- Lime wedges and fresh cilantro sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes and honey. Whisk thoroughly to create the marinade.
- Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over it. Ensure all pieces are well-coated, then seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (2-4 hours or overnight is better).
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F) or heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard used marinade. Place chicken on grill or in skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side for breasts or 6-8 minutes for thighs, until internal temperature reaches 160-165°F.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Slice chicken against the grain and serve garnished with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges.