Cilantro Lime Chicken – Tender, juicy, and zesty!
Marinated and grilled, this Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is so easy to make.
Tender pieces of boneless chicken are marinated in zesty cilantro, lime, and garlic marinade for chicken that’s juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside!
This easy recipe needs little prep and few ingredients, but it’s loaded with big flavor.
![Marinated cilantro lime chicken is a bright and flavorful dish that’s perfect for the grill or oven! Chicken breasts are marinated in a soluition of lime juice and olive oil seasoned with fresh cilantro, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Tender, juicy lime chicken is delicious served cold on a bed of lettuce, or over rice. The delicious marinade can double as a zesty salad dressing as well! #cilantrolimechicken #cilantrolimechickenmarinade #spendwithpennies #cilantrolimechickenrecipe marinated Cilantro Lime Chicken on a plate](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1200-Cilantro-Lime-Chicken-2-SpendWithPennies.jpg)
A Zesty Chicken Favorite
We love grilled chicken breasts or thighs and this cilantro chicken is next level for a great marinade.
- With just a few ingredients, this recipe has big flavor.
- Quick and simple, perfect for those busy nights or summer barbeques!
- No grill? No problem! This dish can also be made in the oven as well, making it the perfect meal all year.
- Serve it with rice, in tacos, or chopped on a salad.
![Cilantro Lime Chicken is a Mexican-inspired dish that pleases the whole crowd. It’s quick & easy to make, perfect for those busy weeknight meals! #spendwithpennies #cilantrolimechicken #maindish #recipe marinade for cilantro lime chicken](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Cilantro-Lime-Chicken-SpendWithPennies-21.jpg)
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Chicken – For this recipe, I love boneless skinless chicken thighs as they’re juicy and flavorful. You can use chicken breasts or bone-in chicken thighs or breasts, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Marinade – Marinades add flavor but also help to tenderize the meat. This marinade is a simple combination of lime juice, lime zest, cilantro leaves, and of seasonings. Feel free to add in jalapenos or extra red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
![We love making Cilantro Lime Chicken on the grill! Marinated in a homemade cilantro-lime sauce then grilled until perfectly tender & juicy, this chicken is super easy to make and ready in no time! #spendwithpennies #cilantrolimechicken #maindish #recipe cilantro lime marinade over chicken thighs](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Cilantro-Lime-Chicken-Thighs-1.jpg)
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Mix the marinade in a bowl or freezer bag per the recipe below.
- Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Broil, bake, or grill.
Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
Don’t marinate longer than 2 hours or the lime juice can make the chicken mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success
- Allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Fresh lime juice is best in this recipe, the flavor of bottled lime can be bitter.
- The best way to tell if the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer, it should reach 165°F.
- Leftover chicken is great in a sandwich or sliced over a bed of lettuce for a tasty next-day-at-work salad!
More Grilled Chicken Favorites
Did you make this grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
![plated Cilantro Lime Chicken](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1200-Cilantro-Lime-Chicken-SpendWithPennies-220x220.jpg)
Cilantro Lime Chicken
Marinated Cilantro Lime Chicken is juicy and bursting with zesty flavor.
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In a medium bowl, combine all marinade ingredients.
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Add the chicken and toss well to combine. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
To Grill
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F). Lightly oil the grill.
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Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 7-8 minutes. Turn over and cook an additional 6-8 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F.
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Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with lime slices and additional chopped cilantro.
- The marinade can be pulsed in a blender a couple of times if you prefer.
- Allow chicken to marinate at least 30 minutes. Due to the high amount of citrus in this recipe, don’t marinate longer than 2 hours.
- Fresh lime is best in this recipe, the flavor of bottled lime can be bitter.
- Optional add-ins: add 1 teaspoon of chili powder and/or 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper to the marinade to add a little bit of heat.
To Bake
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake 20-25 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F.
3. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Serve with lime slices and additional chopped cilantro.
To Broil Chicken
1. Place on a grate or rack on a foil lined pan.
2. Broil chicken 4-inches from the element for 5-6 minutes per side.
To Cook Bone-In Chicken Thighs or Breasts
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Add the chicken skin side down (reserve the marinade) and cook 3-4 minutes or until browned. Flip over and cook 2 minutes more.
3. Add remaining marinade to the pan. Bake 25-27 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F. Broil 2-3 minutes to crisp if desired.
Calories: 565 | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 222mg | Sodium: 621mg | Potassium: 528mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 413IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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![Marinated cilantro lime chicken is a bright and flavorful dish that’s perfect for the grill or oven! Chicken breasts are marinated in a soluition of lime juice and olive oil seasoned with fresh cilantro, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Tender, juicy lime chicken is delicious served cold on a bed of lettuce, or over rice. The delicious marinade can double as a zesty salad dressing as well! #cilantrolimechicken #cilantrolimechickenmarinade #spendwithpennies #cilantrolimechickenrecipe Cilantro Lime Chicken with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NP-Cilantro-Lime-Chicken-2-SpendWithPennies-1.jpg)
![Get ready for a taste celebration with cilantro lime chicken! This zesty dish is bursting with flavors, making it an ideal pick for grilling. Mix lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, and cumin to create a mouthwatering marinade for the chicken breasts. Enjoy the tender, juicy goodness on a bed of lettuce or over rice. Plus, the marinade doubles as a zesty salad dressing! #cilantrolimechicken #cilantrolimechickenmarinade #spendwithpennies #cilantrolimechickenrecipe marinated and grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SP-Cilantro-Lime-Chicken-2-SpendWithPennies-1.jpg)
![Try this bright and tangy recipe for marinated cilantro lime chicken! It's a zesty dish, perfect for grilling or oven roasting. The marinade is gets a burst of zesty flavor with lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Serve the juicy, tender chicken on lettuce or rice, and best of all, the marinade can double as a tangy salad dressing. #cilantrolimechicken #cilantrolimechickenmarinade #spendwithpennies #cilantrolimechickenrecipe easy Cilantro Lime Chicken with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SP-Cilantro-Lime-Chicken-2-SpendWithPennies-2.jpg)
![Give your mealtimes some excitement with this bright and zesty recipe for cilantro lime chicken! Marinate chicken in lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, and cumin and grill or oven roast for juicy, tender perfection. Serve it cold on lettuce or hot over rice. The unused marinade can jazz up your salad as a zesty dressing! #cilantrolimechicken #cilantrolimechickenmarinade #spendwithpennies #cilantrolimechickenrecipe Cilantro Lime Chicken on a plate and close up photo with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/LP-Cilantro-Lime-Chicken-2-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)