Cilantro Lime Chicken is a tasty dish with juicy chicken pieces marinated in a bright mix of fresh cilantro and zesty lime. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor!
Honestly, the smell of cilantro and lime together makes my kitchen feel like a fiesta! 🌮 I love serving this chicken with rice or fresh veggies for a delicious meal that’s quick and fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and flavorful, perfect for this dish. If you prefer chicken breasts, they will work, but watch for overcooking as they can dry out more easily.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor. If you’re not a fan, consider parsley for a milder taste, or omit it entirely and add some citrus zest to keep it fresh.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is best for vibrant flavor. Bottled lime juice can be a quick substitute, but it won’t taste the same. Two limes should yield about 1/4 cup juice—don’t forget to roll them on the counter to make juicing easier!
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. You can use canola or avocado oil instead, but olive oil provides a lovely flavor.
Seasoning: Cumin and paprika give depth and warmth. Regular paprika is great, but you can swap it for smoked paprika if you want a hint of smokiness—perfect for grilling!
How Do You Marinade Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key to infusing flavors, and this recipe makes it simple! Spend at least an hour marinating, but overnight is best for that deep taste. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl until mixed well.
- Toss in chicken thighs, ensuring every piece is coated. Use your hands for a thorough mix!
- Cover and refrigerate. This step not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken.
- Don’t forget to let excess marinade drip off before grilling, as too much liquid can hinder browning.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
For The Marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll want to let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for more flavor). Once marinated, grilling will take about 10-14 minutes. Super simple and so tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all well until it forms a nice marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure they’re all covered nicely. Once coated, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you have the time!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have those beautiful grill marks.
4. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps it stay juicy! Before serving, sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro on top and add lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious Cilantro Lime Chicken!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts can be substituted, but keep in mind that they may dry out faster due to their lower fat content. Reduce grilling time to about 5-6 minutes per side and monitor the internal temperature carefully to avoid overcooking.
How Can I Adjust the Flavor If I Don’t Like Cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, you can replace it with parsley for a milder flavor. You could also consider dill or even a bit of basil for a unique twist. Just keep the lime juice and garlic for that zesty punch!
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the marinade and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, just add your chicken. Note that if you plan on marinating chicken for longer than a day, leaving out the lime juice until right before use will help maintain the chicken’s texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cilantro Lime Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, ensuring it heats evenly without drying out.
