This easy Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken recipe is so simple to make and loaded with so many flavors. Chicken in the best cilantro lime marinade becomes so tender and juicy once cooked.

Cilantro lime chicken on a gray plate topped with chopped cilantro and lime slices.

We enjoy grilling during the warmer weather and have a whole section dedicated to our favorite grilling recipes, from easy grilled salmon to delicious vegetables and even classic pork chops.

CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN-

We love how simple and easy this recipe is to make! All you need to do is prepare the marinade, then marinate the chicken and grill. Cilantro, lime, and honey flavors make the chicken so juicy and tender, and the kick of lime brings a hint of citrus.

This cilantro lime chicken is a family favorite during grilling season.

Tender and juicy chicken breast loaded with flavors topped with cilantro and lime slices.

HOW TO MAKE CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN-

With just a couple of simple steps, you can have this fantastic grilled chicken ready to be served for dinner.

  1. In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the marinade.
  2. Add the chicken to the marinade and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. 
  3. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through. When serving, drizzle lime juice and garnish with cilantro if desired.

CHEF’S TIP: Due to the amount of lime in the marinade, we do not recommend you marinate the chicken for more than 2 hours. The chicken will start to become bitter.

Step by step instructions of how to make homemade cilantro lime chicken.

COOKING METHODS-

There are several different ways you can cook this cilantro lime chicken recipe. Our favorite way is the grilled method, but you can use any method!

  • GRILL: Preheat the oven to medium-high heat. Add the chicken onto the grates and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F on a thermometer.
  • BAKE: Preheat the oven to 400°F, add the chicken onto a baking sheet, and bake for 22-24 minutes, or until the chicken reaches the internal temperature of 165°F.
  • SKILLET: Add oil and heat medium-high heat in a large skillet or cast iron. Add the chicken breast and sear on both sides for 2-3 minutes. Turn the heat down to low, cover it with the lid, and allow it to cook for about 5-6 minutes.
PRO TIP: The cooking time for the
chicken will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.

WHAT KIND OF CHICKEN CAN I USE?

You can use any chicken you have on hand. We love using boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs. You can also use bone-in thighs, but the cooking time will be longer.

Tender cilantro lime chicken on a gray plate topped with fresh chopped greens.

SERVING IDEAS-

You can serve the cilantro lime chicken with many options; here are some of our favorite combinations.

Cilantro lime chicken breast sliced up on a plate topped with fresh greens.

I hope this Cilantro Lime Chicken becomes a new family favorite to enjoy.

Try these other grilling recipes-

Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken

Author: Valentina
Print
5 from 4 votes
This easy Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken recipe is so simple to make and loaded with so many flavors. Chicken in the best cilantro lime marinade becomes so tender and juicy once cooked.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marinade Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

chicken

  • 2 lbs chicken breast or thighs (4 small/medium chicken breasts)

cilantro lime marinade

  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 Tbsp cilantro finely, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground paprika
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1 lime cut into wedges, for serving (optional)
  • cilantro ,for garnish (optional)
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Combine the oil, lime juice, cilantro, salt, pepper, paprika and honey in a large bowl.
  • With a meat mallet beat the chicken breast until even in thickness. Add the chicken into the marinade and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  • Grease grill grate and preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • Once heated, place the chicken breast on the grill grates and cook 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  • Remove from the grill and serve with freshly squeezed lime juice.

Nutrition

382kcal Calories9g Carbs49g Protein17g Fat3g Saturated Fat2g Polyunsaturated Fat9g Monounsaturated Fat1g Trans Fat145mg Cholesterol846mg Sodium902mg Potassium1g Fiber5g Sugar352IU Vitamin A13mg Vitamin C26mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 382 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 9g
Cholesterol 145mg48%
Sodium 846mg37%
Potassium 902mg26%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 49g98%
Vitamin A 352IU7%
Vitamin C 13mg16%
Calcium 26mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American

NOTE: Recipe developed by Valentina’s Corner, and first published on Natasha’s Kitchen.