This Cilantro Lime Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and packed with citrus and fresh herb flavor in every bite. In gernal, we love that chicken can take on a variety of flavor profiles, but this specific version is one of our favorites.
With a simple marinade made from lime juice, garlic, olive oil, and cilantro, this chicken grills up tender and perfectly seasoned, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts.
It uses a simple (similar to our Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette) for full flavor and an easy healthy Mexican dinner! Enjoy on its own or in a Burrito Bowl, Taco Bowl, or Taco Salad.
If you love fresh and easy dinners like this, be sure to try Chicken Fajitas, Grilled Chicken Marinade, and Cilantro Lime Rice.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- A quick marinade. This fresh marinade uses 7 simple ingredients and whips up in minutes. Use it on chicken breasts or thighs.
- 2-step dinner. Simply place the chicken in the marinade for several hours and then grill them up in only 15 minutes!
- A variety of meals. Slice and place on green salads, wrap it in Chicken Fajitas, or a Flour Tortilla for Chicken Tacos.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Ingredients
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons) – Helps coat the chicken and keeps it moist while grilling.
- Lime juice (juice of two limes) – Tenderizes the chicken and adds bright, fresh citrus flavor. Each medium-sized lime should produce about 2 tablespoons of juice. This recipe needs about 4 tablespoons altogether. For extra flavor, add lime zest.
- Chopped cilantro (⅓ cup) – Brings freshness and classic cilantro lime flavor.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Adds bold, savory depth to the marinade.
- Sugar (2 teaspoons) – Balances the acidity of the lime juice.
- Salt and pepper (to taste) – Enhance all the flavors and properly season the chicken.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (4 pieces) – Provide a lean, protein packed base that absorbs the marinade beautifully. For extra-juicy flavor, use boneless skinless chicken thighs, but chicken breasts can also be used.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken
MARINADE. Combine the seasonings in a large Ziploc bag. Place chicken in a bag with marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 8 hours.
GRILL. Preheat to medium to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grate. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F.
Remove from grill and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but longer marinating gives a deeper flavor.
- Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Use a kitchen mallet to pound the boneless chicken so that it is an even thickness for an even cook.
- Place the chicken over direct high heat for 5 minutes on each side. Then move the chicken away from the flame and cook for another 30 minutes. Flip the chicken every 10-15 minutes.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- juice of two limes
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Instructions
- Combine the olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large Ziploc bag. Place chicken in a bag with marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 8 hours.
- When ready to grill, preheat to medium to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grate. Place chicken on the grill and grill for 5-7 minutes per side or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F.
- Remove from grill, and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
Notes
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but longer marinating gives a deeper flavor.
- Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Use a kitchen mallet to pound the boneless chicken so that it is an even thickness for an even cook.
- Place the chicken over direct high heat for 5 minutes on each side. Then move the chicken away from the flame and cook for another 30 minutes. Flip the chicken every 10-15 minutes.
- This chicken is perfect for slicing over salads or using in tacos the next day.
- Cilantro Lime Rice is a perfect choice, or serve it with Mexican Corn on the Cob and Jalapeno Cornbread. Honestly, any Mexican side dish would be great!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Fry. Add the marinated chicken to a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until well-browned and cooked through.
Bake. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the flavored chicken in a baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Place the raw chicken and marinade in a freezer ziploc for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and grill.
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for 3-4 days. To freeze, place the chicken in a freezer bag, and it will keep in the freezer for 3 months. Thaw in the fridge.
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This recipe was first shared October, 2020.
Super simple and great flavor!
This chicken tasted amazing and was so easy to make!! My family loved it so much, they can’t wait to have it again!
Cilantro lime chicken is a new addition to our meal rotation! It was so tender and delicious, kids can’t get enough of it!
Oh I’m glad to hear that! And yay for the kids enjoying the chicken too!
This tastes like summer! So fresh and full of flavor. I will be making this one again for Cinco De Mayo!
Yay! So glad you enjoyed the chicken!