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Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

5.3 from 15 reviews

This Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lime juice, garlic, and cilantro. Perfectly grilled or pan-seared, this dish bursts with vibrant citrus and herb flavors, making it an easy and healthy meal option for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Whisk together thoroughly to blend all the flavors.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece is well coated, then seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  3. Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat your grill or skillet to medium-high until hot. Lightly oil the surface to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
  4. Cook Chicken First Side: Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill or skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the surface turns golden brown.
  5. Flip Chicken: Carefully flip each piece and continue cooking on the other side for another 6 to 8 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked through and shows slight charring on the exterior.
  6. Rest Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Resting helps retain its juicy texture.
  7. Slice and Garnish: Slice the chicken against the grain to maximize tenderness, and garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the full flavor and aroma of the cilantro and lime enhanced chicken.

Notes

  • Marinating for longer (up to 2 hours) will intensify the flavor, but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming too mushy due to the acidity of lime juice.
  • If grilling isn’t an option, chicken can be cooked in a skillet or baked in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that any store-bought marinade additives or oils are free from gluten.
  • Serve with rice, salad, or tortillas for a complete meal.
  • Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for best flavor results.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cilantro Lime Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Healthy Chicken, Mexican Chicken