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.
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.
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.
- In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the marinade.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- 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.
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.
SERVING IDEAS-
You can serve the cilantro lime chicken with many options; here are some of our favorite combinations.
- Side dish: With steaming fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Pasta: Plain-cooked pasta or topped with homemade alfredo sauce.
- Salad: a classic caesar salad or tomato cheese salad would pair beautifully with this chicken.
- Protein: Grilled shrimp or even crispy fried shrimp.
- Tacos: Cut up the chicken and serve it like a chicken taco with your favorite toppings.
- Bread: Homemade butter breadsticks or a white bread loaf to complete the meal.
I hope this Cilantro Lime Chicken becomes a new family favorite to enjoy.
Try these other grilling recipes-
- Grilled Lime Chicken
- Grilled Chicken Kabobs
- Tender Grilled Chicken Thighs
- Buffalo Ranch Chicken
- Pork Kabobs
- Ground Beef Kabobs
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
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)
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.
NOTE: Recipe developed by Valentina’s Corner, and first published on Natasha’s Kitchen.