This Cilantro Lime Chicken is juicy, zesty, and packed with flavor! It’s made with fresh lime juice and bright cilantro, bringing a delicious kick to your meal.
This dish is my go-to for easy weeknight dinners. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy! Pair it with rice or a salad, and you’ve got a tasty meal that’s sure to impress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless breasts are great for this recipe, but thighs can add more moisture and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use turkey cutlets or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key for that vibrant flavor. If you don’t like cilantro, parsley can be a good substitute, though it will change the taste. Dill could also work for a different herbaceous note!
Limes: Fresh limes are best for juice and zest. However, if limes are hard to find, lemons can work as a substitute, giving a more tart flavor to your chicken.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really enhances the flavor. You can replace it with garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon per clove), but the fresh version makes a big difference.
Spices: Cumin and paprika together add a lovely depth. You can swap cumin for coriander for a milder flavor, and smoked paprika for regular paprika if you enjoy a smoky hint!
How Can I Get the Best Flavor from Marinating Chicken?
Marinating is essential as it infuses the chicken with flavors. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
- Mix your marinade ingredients well and ensure everything is incorporated.
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; however, letting it sit for 4 hours (or overnight) will deepen the flavors.
- Use a resealable bag for easy coating—just seal it up and gently massage the chicken to make sure it’s covered.
Remember, discard leftover marinade to avoid food safety issues! And letting your chicken rest after grilling helps keep it juicy.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes (juiced and zested)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish (Optional):
- Lime wedges
- Extra cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and at least 30 minutes for marinating. After marinating, it takes around 15 minutes to grill. So, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 55 minutes if you do a quick marinade, or longer if you let it sit for a few hours for extra flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped cilantro, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a wonderful flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Next, take your chicken breasts or thighs and place them in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and then let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off, then discard the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and you see nice grill marks.
4. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Before serving, garnish with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges if you’d like. Enjoy your flavorful Cilantro Lime Chicken!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! This marinade works great with other proteins like shrimp, pork tenderloin, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cook quickly, while pork may take longer. For shrimp, grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Cilantro?
No problem! You can substitute dried cilantro (coriander) in a pinch, but use only about 1 tablespoon as it is more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh parsley or basil can provide a lovely flavor twist if you’re not a fan of cilantro.
Can I Marinate This Overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight can intensify the flavors! Just be careful not to exceed 24 hours, as citrus can start to break down the chicken, making it mushy. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container or resealable bag.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cilantro lime chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes until heated through. You can also slice it for salads or wraps!
