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If you are craving a zesty, fresh, and supremely flavorful dish, this Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe will become your new go-to favorite. Juicy chicken thighs soak up a vibrant marinade loaded with bright lime juice, fragrant cilantro, and a hint of cumin, creating a perfect balance of tangy, herbal, and savory notes. Whether you grill, sear, or bake it, this recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for gatherings. Every bite bursts with freshness and warmth, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe relies on just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in the final dish. Fresh cilantro brings a lively green pop and herbaceous aroma, lime juice adds a crisp brightness, and the combination of garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper deepens the flavor complexity. The boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide tender, juicy meat that holds these flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup cilantro leaves, packed: The heart of the marinade, offering fresh, bright herbal notes.
- 1 tsp lime zest: Adds an intense lime aroma and a slightly bitter brightness.
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 3 limes): Delivers the essential tang and perfect acidity to tenderize the chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped: Adds savory depth and a touch of pungency to balance the citrus.
- 1 tsp cumin: Brings warm, earthy undertones that complement the lime and cilantro beautifully.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps the meat retain moisture.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle kick for balanced seasoning.
- 3 tbsp olive oil: Provides richness and helps bind the marinade while keeping the chicken moist.
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lb): Tender pieces that soak up the marinade and cook evenly.
- Cilantro leaves (for garnish): Fresh bursts of color and flavor when serving.
- Lime wedges: Perfect for squeezing extra citrus punch at the table.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by adding cilantro leaves, lime zest, lime juice, chopped garlic, cumin, salt, black pepper, and olive oil to a blender. Pulse everything until smooth to form a vibrant, herbaceous marinade bursting with bright citrus and warm spices. This mixture is the soul of the Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe and infuses every bite with incredible flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, place your chicken thighs in a large bowl or a ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate anywhere from 30 minutes up to 4 hours. This allows the chicken to soak up all those zesty, fresh flavors and become wonderfully tender.
Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method
One of the best parts of this recipe is its flexibility. You can grill, bake, or cook the chicken on the stovetop. Each method yields delicious results, so pick the one that best suits your mood or occasion.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Stovetop Method: Heat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high and brush with olive oil. Grill chicken pieces for about 5 minutes per side until cooked through and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. This gives you a beautiful sear with lovely grill marks.
Oven Baked Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until fully cooked and juicy.
Grilling Method: Sear the chicken on high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side, then move to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking until 165°F internally. This lends a smoky charred flavor while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle the chicken with fresh cilantro leaves to echo the herbaceous marinade and add a bright green pop. Lime wedges on the side let everyone control how much extra zest they want, offering a fresh finish with each bite.
Side Dishes
The tangy and savory profile of the Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple yet flavorful sides. Think fluffy cilantro-lime rice to complement the citrus, charred grilled vegetables to echo the smoky notes, or even a light avocado salad for creaminess and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken and serve it as a filling for soft tacos with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of creamy sauce. Alternatively, dice it into a vibrant salad bowl with black beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes for a fresh, weeknight bowl full of color and nutrients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days while maintaining its juicy texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
You can also freeze cooked or marinated raw chicken for later enjoyment. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in an airtight freezer bag or container. Frozen chicken is best used within 2 months for optimum freshness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, covered to preserve moisture. Be sure not to overcook, so the chicken stays tender and juicy, with every bite reminiscent of freshly prepared Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe goodness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier, chicken breasts can also work. Just adjust cooking time slightly to avoid drying out the leaner meat.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours is ideal. Avoid going beyond that as the acid can start to break down the texture too much.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before using. This makes the cooking process even quicker and easier.
What if I don’t have a grill pan?
No worries—any heavy skillet or frying pan will work well for stovetop cooking. Just make sure it’s hot enough to get a nice sear on the chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe is a true gem in the kitchen: simple, fresh, and packed with bright flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy family dinner, it delivers delicious results every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how effortless and satisfying this dish can be. Happy cooking!
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Print
Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes to 4 hours 40 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe features juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and spices. You can cook the chicken on the stovetop, bake it in the oven, or grill it to perfection, making it a versatile and flavorful dinner option perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 cup cilantro leaves, packed (about 1/2 bunch)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 3 limes)
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Main Ingredients
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lb)
- Cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Add cilantro leaves, lime zest, lime juice, chopped garlic, cumin, salt, black pepper, and olive oil to a blender. Pulse until smooth to create a vibrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or ziplock bag, then pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours for best flavor.
- Choose Cooking Method: Decide whether to cook on the stovetop, bake in the oven, or grill based on your preference.
- Stovetop Method: Heat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with olive oil. Grill each chicken piece for about 5 minutes per side until fully cooked and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
- Oven Baked Method: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Grilling Method: Sear chicken over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then move to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking until the internal temperature is 165°F. Adjust cooking times for bone-in thighs as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours for best flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Bone-in chicken thighs may require longer cooking times, especially on the grill or oven.
- For a lighter option, remove skin from chicken thighs if desired.
- Adjust seasoning to taste by adding more salt or lime juice if preferred.
