When it comes to quick and easy meals that taste like a celebration, Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken shines bright! Imagine juicy chicken breasts infused with zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and aromatic garlic — every bite bursting with brightness and freshness.
This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends when you want something light, healthy, and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your home!
🍋 What is Cilantro Lime Chicken?
Cilantro Lime Chicken is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish made by marinating chicken in lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and chopped cilantro. The lime tenderizes the meat while the cilantro adds an herby freshness that pairs perfectly with grilled or pan-seared chicken.
It’s one of those recipes that look fancy but come together in minutes — ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or even summer cookouts. The best part? It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and fits well into most healthy eating plans.
💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
🌿 Quick & Easy: Only 30 minutes from start to finish.
-
🍋 Fresh & Zesty: The lime and cilantro bring a bright, refreshing flavor.
-
💪 Healthy & Light: Packed with protein, low in carbs, and naturally gluten-free.
-
🔥 Perfect for Meal Prep: Keeps well in the fridge or freezer.
-
🍽️ Versatile: Serve it with rice, in tacos, or over salads!
If you’ve tried our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, you’ll love this citrusy twist for an easy weeknight dinner!
🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
-
Juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup)
-
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon cumin
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Bright, simple, and packed with flavor — everything you need for a perfect dinner!
🔪 How to Make Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. The aroma alone will tell you something delicious is about to happen!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over it, coating each piece thoroughly. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the rest) and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
🍚 What to Serve With Cilantro Lime Chicken
Pair your Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken with:
-
🌽 Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote Style)
-
🍚 Cilantro Lime Rice
-
🥑 Creamy Avocado Salsa
-
🥗 Fresh Garden Salad or Roasted Veggies
For a complete meal, add a glass of limeade or iced tea to complement the zesty flavors.
💡 Recipe Tips
-
Marinate Longer for More Flavor: A quick 15 minutes works, but an hour or more gives you an even bolder taste.
-
Don’t Overcook: Remove the chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F to keep it juicy.
-
Rest Before Cutting: This helps seal in all the delicious juices.
-
Try It in Tacos: Slice and stuff the chicken into tortillas with salsa and avocado for an easy twist!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
-
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
-
Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave (covered) until heated through.
🌮 Final Thoughts
And there you have it — Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken, your new go-to dish for fresh, fast, and flavorful dinners! With its citrusy tang, juicy texture, and herby aroma, this recipe is perfect for anyone craving a healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Whether served with rice, wrapped in tacos, or sliced over a salad, this dish will keep you coming back for more. So fire up your pan, squeeze those limes, and bring a little sunshine to your table tonight!
Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 2 limes Juice of 2 limes Freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro Chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin preferred
- 3 cloves garlic Minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1.5 pounds
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Cooking
- Preheat a grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Discard the marinade.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serving
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve with extra lime wedges and cilantro as garnish.
Leave a Reply