When you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, Cilantro-Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken is the answer. This easy yet incredibly flavorful dish captures the bright citrus notes of lime and the herbaceous kick of fresh cilantro, creating a marinade that transforms simple chicken into something extraordinary.
This recipe is perfect for warm weather dining. It’s light yet satisfying, and the fresh flavors make it ideal for backyard barbecues, meal prepping, or simple family dinners.
The secret to truly amazing grilled chicken lies in the marinade. Here, lime juice tenderizes the chicken while olive oil locks in moisture, and cilantro along with garlic infuse it with bold flavor.
If you’re a fan of Mexican or Southwestern cuisines, this chicken will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. It’s also an excellent building block for tacos, salads, and rice bowls.
Grilling enhances the marinade’s flavors beautifully, adding smoky char and crisp edges that make every bite irresistible.
The simplicity of the ingredients is another major plus. You don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of fresh, accessible ingredients to create restaurant-quality flavor at home.
This chicken is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in carbs, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Meal prepping is a breeze with this recipe. You can marinate the chicken the night before and simply toss it on the grill the next day for a quick, flavorful meal.
Kids love the mild but zesty flavor, while adults appreciate the fresh, aromatic taste. It’s a true family-friendly recipe.
Because the flavor is so balanced and clean, it pairs well with a wide range of sides, from grilled corn to Mexican rice to simple mixed greens.
Don’t have a grill? No problem—you can cook the chicken indoors on a grill pan or even broil it in the oven.
It’s an ideal dish for entertaining. The vibrant green flecks of cilantro and the golden grill marks make it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
This recipe will make you feel like a grill master with minimal effort. It’s perfect for impressing guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Are you ready to infuse your grill with fresh, bright flavors? Let’s dive into this Cilantro-Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken recipe!
Servings: 4 servings
Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1-2 hours
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lime wedges and extra cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard any leftover marinade.
- Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with fresh lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Tips:
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for more consistent grilling.
- Don’t marinate longer than 8 hours—the acid from the lime juice can break down the chicken too much.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Serve with avocado slices for a creamy complement.
Why You Will Love This Recipe: You’ll love this Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken for its fresh, bright flavors, tender juicy texture, and how easy it is to whip up. It’s a healthy, satisfying meal that’s packed with zesty goodness.
Summary: A fresh and flavorful Cilantro-Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken recipe featuring juicy grilled chicken infused with lime, cilantro, and spices. Perfect for light summer meals and entertaining!
