Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe for Easy Weeknight Magic

Zesty and bursting with flavor, this cilantro lime chicken recipe delivers a vibrant meal that dances on your palate.

Tender chicken breasts absorb a tangy marinade that infuses every bite with bright, fresh notes.

The combination of fragrant cilantro and zingy lime creates a mouthwatering symphony of taste sensations.

Marinating the meat ensures deep, robust flavors that penetrate through each tender morsel.

Quick to prepare and incredibly delicious, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement to your dinner table.

Simple ingredients merge into a spectacular meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Your dinner is about to get a delightful makeover with this foolproof and irresistible chicken recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours

Cook Time: 11 to 13 minutes

Total Time: 41 to 43 minutes (or up to 2 hours and 13 minutes

Calories: 384 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient Breakdown for Cilantro Lime Chicken

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates a silky marinade base with rich, smooth texture.
• Lime: Adds bright, zesty citrus punch and tenderizes the chicken with natural acids.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, aromatic depth and classic savory undertones to the dish.
• Honey: Provides subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken during cooking.

• Chili Powder: Brings warm, earthy heat with complex pepper undertones.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces fiery kick and optional spiciness for heat lovers.
• Ground Cumin: Offers smoky, nutty essence and traditional Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other seasonings with fundamental taste enhancement.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and gentle spicy background notes.

• Chicken Thighs: Delivers juicy, tender meat with rich flavor and excellent marinade absorption.
• Fresh Cilantro: Provides bright, herbaceous freshness and vibrant green color contrast.
• Lime Wedges: Offers optional extra citrus burst and elegant serving presentation.

Tools to Cook Cilantro Lime Chicken

• Cast Iron Skillet: Heavy-duty pan perfect for achieving a golden-brown crust on chicken.
• Mixing Bowl: Large container for combining marinade ingredients and coating chicken.
• Zip-Top Bag: Alternative to mixing bowl for marinating chicken.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurate seasoning measurements.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken safely in hot skillet.
• Knife: Needed for chopping cilantro and slicing limes.
• Cutting Board: Surface for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for precise liquid measurements.
• Pastry Brush: Used for applying reserved marinade to cooked chicken.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Instructions for Flavorful Cilantro Lime Chicken

• Flavor Fusion

Combine zesty lime juice, fragrant cilantro, honey, and spices in a mixing bowl. This vibrant marinade will infuse the chicken with mouthwatering tropical notes.

• Chicken Prep

Gently coat chicken thighs in the marinade, allowing them to soak up the incredible flavors. Let the chicken rest and absorb the delicious blend for maximum taste impact.

• Sizzling Skillet

Heat a cast iron skillet until it’s blazing hot. Carefully place the marinated chicken, letting each side develop a beautiful golden-brown crust that seals in the juicy goodness.

• Perfect Finish

Cook the chicken until it reaches a safe internal temperature, ensuring tender and succulent meat. Once done, let the chicken rest briefly to lock in those incredible juices.

• Garnish and Serve

Brush the chicken with reserved marinade for an extra flavor punch. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top and add tangy lime wedges. Your zesty, vibrant meal is ready to impress!

Lime & Herb Tips for This Chicken

• Cilantro Lime Chicken Cooking Tips & Variations
• Marinade Magic: Swap out honey with agave nectar or maple syrup for a different sweet twist. Don't be afraid to adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing chili pepper flakes to match your heat preference.
• Grill Master Method: Replace skillet cooking with outdoor grilling for a smoky flavor profile. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Quick Weeknight Hack: Slice chicken into smaller pieces before marinating to reduce cooking time and create faster meal preparation. This technique works perfectly for busy families wanting delicious dinners in under 30 minutes.
• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with additional herbs like oregano or parsley to complement the cilantro. Consider adding minced jalapeños to the marinade for extra zesty kick that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
• Serving Suggestions: Transform this recipe into tacos, salads, or rice bowls by shredding the cooked chicken. Pair with fresh avocado, crumbled queso fresco, or a tangy slaw for restaurant-quality meal experience.

Serving Cilantro Lime Chicken Fresh

• Zesty Taco Night Transformation: Turn this cilantro lime chicken into a fun taco feast by shredding the meat and serving in warm tortillas with fresh salsa, diced onions, and a sprinkle of extra cilantro.
• Refreshing Summer Salad Centerpiece: Slice the chicken and place over a crisp bed of mixed greens, topped with avocado chunks, corn kernels, and drizzle the remaining marinade as a light dressing.
• Fiesta Rice Bowl Delight: Chop the chicken and serve over cilantro-lime rice, adding black beans, roasted bell peppers, and a dollop of cool sour cream for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Quick Sandwich Upgrade: Slice the chicken and create a mouthwatering sandwich with soft ciabatta bread, pepper jack cheese, fresh arugula, and a spread of zesty lime mayo.

How to Prep & Save Cilantro Lime Chicken

• Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping meat moist and flavorful by sealing tightly with minimal air exposure.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual chicken thighs in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed bag to maintain quality for 2-3 months without freezer burn.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare marinade and trim chicken up to 24 hours before cooking, allowing deeper flavor infusion and saving precious weeknight cooking time.
• Reheat Revolution: Warm leftover chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying, ensuring tender and delicious results every time.

Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 41 to 43 minutes (or up to 2 hours and 13 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cilantro lime chicken delivers a zesty Mexican-inspired main course perfect for weeknight dinners. Marinated chicken breasts grill to juicy perfection with bold, fresh flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 limes, juice and zest
• 3 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• ¾ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Blend lime juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, honey, chili powder, pepper flakes, cumin, and seasoning in a mixing bowl, creating a vibrant and aromatic flavor base.
2. Marinade Reservation: Set aside three tablespoons of the marinade for later glazing, preserving its intense taste profile.
3. Chicken Marination: Completely coat chicken thighs in the remaining marinade, allowing them to absorb flavors at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to two hours for deeper infusion.
4. Searing Process: Ignite a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, carefully placing marinated chicken thighs to develop a golden, crispy exterior during initial five-minute cooking phase.
5. Final Cooking and Resting: Continue cooking chicken for additional six to eight minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat, let rest briefly, then brush with reserved marinade and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges for a zesty finish.

Notes

• Marinate Wisely: Reserve a portion of marinade before adding raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination and use as a flavor-boosting sauce after cooking.
• Temperature Matters: Let chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and more consistent cooking results.
• Sear for Success: Use a cast iron skillet for maximum caramelization and flavor development, creating a deliciously crispy exterior on the chicken.
• Rest and Refresh: Allow cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to help juices redistribute, ensuring tender and moist meat.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours
• Cook Time: 11 to 13 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 384
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 228 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg