Looking for a delicious and easy chicken recipe that bursts with zesty, herby goodness? Look no further than Cilantro Lime Chicken! This vibrant dish features juicy chicken marinated in a blend of fresh cilantro, tangy lime, garlic, and spices—perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. Whether you’re prepping weeknight dinners or hosting a backyard BBQ, this recipe will become a new go-to favorite.
⭐ Why You'll Love Cilantro Lime Chicken
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🌱 Fresh & Zesty Flavors: The combination of lime juice and cilantro is refreshing and bright.
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🍗 Juicy & Tender Chicken: Marinating the chicken makes it extra flavorful and moist.
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🔥 Versatile Cooking Options: Grill it, bake it, or cook it on the stovetop.
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🥗 Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for salads, tacos, wraps, or rice bowls.
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⏱️ Quick & Easy: The marinade comes together in 5 minutes.
🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this mouthwatering cilantro lime chicken:
For the Marinade:
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½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
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¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, balances acidity)
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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Zest of 1 lime for extra flavor
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
🍋 How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl or blender, combine all the marinade ingredients. If using a blender, blend until smooth. If mixing by hand, just stir well to combine.
Tip: For a more intense flavor, use a food processor to finely blend the cilantro and garlic with the lime juice and spices.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
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Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish.
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Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
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Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 12 hours for best results).
Pro Tip: The longer the marination, the more flavorful and juicy your chicken will be!
🔥 Cooking Methods
You can cook cilantro lime chicken in three ways depending on your preference and available equipment.
1. Grilling (Best for BBQ Flavor)
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
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Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard excess liquid.
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Grill for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Pan Searing (Quick Weeknight Option)
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Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked.
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Let it rest before cutting.
3. Baking (Set-and-Forget Style)
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish.
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Bake for 22–25 minutes, depending on thickness.
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Optionally, broil for the last 2–3 minutes to get a nice golden top.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Cilantro Lime Chicken is super versatile. Here’s how to serve it:
1. Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
Slice the chicken and serve in warm tortillas with avocado, slaw, and crema.
2. Rice Bowls
Serve over cilantro lime rice with black beans, corn, salsa, and shredded cheese.
3. Salad Topper
Add sliced chicken to a bed of greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a creamy dressing.
4. Wraps or Sandwiches
Layer sliced chicken with lettuce, tomato, and sauce in flatbread or buns.
5. Grain Bowls
Combine with quinoa, grilled vegetables, and a dollop of yogurt or tahini sauce.
💡 Expert Tips
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Use fresh lime juice: Bottled lime juice lacks the brightness of fresh limes.
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Chop cilantro finely: If not blending, chopping it small helps distribute flavor.
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Don’t skip the zest: Lime zest adds concentrated citrus flavor.
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Rest after cooking: Letting the chicken sit for 5–10 minutes after cooking locks in the juices.
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Cut uniformly: If the chicken breasts are large or uneven, consider pounding them to even thickness for even cooking.
🥶 Storage & Meal Prep
Fridge:
Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
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Freeze uncooked chicken in marinade for up to 2 months in a sealed freezer bag.
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Defrost in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Reheating:
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Microwave gently with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture.
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Reheat in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through.
🌿 Variations & Add-Ons
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Spicy: Add jalapeño or extra chili flakes to the marinade.
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Creamy: Mix in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the marinade for a creamy texture.
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Asian twist: Add a splash of soy sauce and ginger.
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Garlic lovers: Double the garlic for a bolder punch.
🧑🍳 Cilantro Lime Chicken for Meal Prep
If you're prepping meals for the week, this is a perfect protein to keep in your fridge. Here are some easy combinations:
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Day 1: Chicken + brown rice + sautéed peppers
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Day 2: Chicken tacos with cabbage slaw and lime crema
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Day 3: Chicken salad with avocado and lime vinaigrette
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Day 4: Chicken quinoa bowl with roasted veggies
🌮 FAQs About Cilantro Lime Chicken
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just thaw it completely before marinating for best flavor absorption.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?
You can substitute with parsley or use dried cilantro (use only 1-2 teaspoons).
Q: Is it spicy?
It’s mildly spiced. Adjust the chili powder or pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Q: Can I use lime juice concentrate?
Fresh lime juice is best, but in a pinch, you can use concentrate—just reduce the quantity slightly and balance with a bit of honey.
📸 Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe (Quick Recap)
Ingredients:
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Chicken, lime, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, spices
Steps:
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Make the marinade
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Marinate chicken
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Grill, bake, or pan-sear
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Rest, slice, serve!
Serve with: Rice, salad, tacos, wraps, or veggies.