Cilantro Lime Chicken (Print Version)
Zesty chicken marinated in lime and cilantro, grilled or pan-seared to perfection.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
→ Marinade
02 - 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
03 - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp chili powder
08 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
11 - Zest of 1 lime
→ To Serve (optional)
12 - Extra lime wedges
13 - Fresh cilantro leaves
14 - Cooked rice, tortillas, or salad
# How to Make It:
01 - Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish.
02 - In a bowl, whisk together cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime zest until well combined.
03 - Pour the marinade over the chicken; seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more flavor).
04 - Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
05 - Grill or pan-sear chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
06 - Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
07 - Serve with extra lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and choice of sides.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It brings a vibrant, zesty kick that makes weeknight dinners feel special.
- The marinade does all the heavy lifting, ensuring juicy meat every time.
02 -
- Pat the chicken dry before searing if you want really impressive grill marks.
- Do not overcook the breasts, or they will dry out quickly despite the marinade.
03 -
- If the marinade seems too thick, add a splash of water to help coat the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure you hit exactly 165 degrees for perfect texture.