Zesty Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken a flavorful and tangy grilled chicken recipe infused with the refreshing taste of cilantro and lime, perfect for summer cookouts or a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of citrusy zest, fragrant herbs, and a hint of spice makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness)
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the chopped cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and honey (if using).
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the cilantro-lime marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown with grill marks.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories per serving: 215 kcal
Variations
Baked Version: If grilling isn’t an option, I bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
Spicier Twist: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or an extra dash of chili powder gives the chicken more heat.
Citrus Blend: Mixing in some orange juice along with the lime juice adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Dairy Addition: A little Greek yogurt in the marinade makes the chicken even more tender.
Different Protein: This marinade works great with shrimp, tofu, or even pork chops.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: I freeze cooked cilantro lime chicken for up to 2 months. I make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To keep the chicken juicy, I reheat it in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. The microwave works too, but I use short intervals to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken?
I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, 2-4 hours is ideal. Any longer than that, and the acid in the lime juice might start breaking down the chicken too much.
Can I cook this chicken on a stovetop instead?
Yes! I use a grill pan or a regular skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What sides go well with cilantro lime chicken?
I love serving this with cilantro-lime rice, grilled vegetables, a fresh avocado salad, or even in tacos with a creamy dressing.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and take a bit longer to cook, around 7-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
How do I make this recipe keto-friendly?
This recipe is already pretty low in carbs, but to make it fully keto-friendly, I skip the honey or use a keto-friendly sweetener instead.
Conclusion
This zesty grilled cilantro lime chicken is one of my go-to recipes for a flavorful and healthy meal. It's easy to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and perfect for grilling season or any time I want a quick and delicious dinner. Whether served with rice, in tacos, or on its own, it never disappoints.
Recipe:
Zesty Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Zesty Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken is a flavorful, tangy dish perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners. Infused with fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and a touch of spice, this juicy grilled chicken recipe is easy to make and packed with bold flavors. Serve it with rice, veggies, or in tacos for a delicious meal!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp lime zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp honey (optional for sweetness)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and honey (if using).
- Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and discard excess. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and grill marks appear.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Baked Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Spicier Version: Add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Citrus Twist: Mix in orange juice for added sweetness.
Alternative Proteins: Works well with shrimp, tofu, or pork.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 215 kcal
