Cilantro Lime Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Additional Time
30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
565 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Cilantro Lime Chicken
Description
This recipe starts with a marinade composed of fresh chopped cilantro, lime juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. The chicken is coated in this marinade and allowed to rest for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to absorb the flavors, with caution not to exceed 2 hours due to the acidic lime juice which can alter texture. The chicken is then cooked either on the grill at medium-high heat, baked in the oven at 400°F, broiled, or cooked bone-in at higher heat with the marinade added during baking, depending on preference.
Grilled chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F and rested before serving with lime slices and extra chopped cilantro garnish. The marinade imparts a balance of herbal freshness from cilantro, tartness from lime, and warmth from spices, complemented by honey’s mild sweetness, making the chicken suitable for varied serving occasions.
The marinade can be blended briefly if preferred, and optional additions like extra chili powder or crushed red pepper can elevate heat. The method offers flexibility in cooking technique while maintaining the core flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thigh or breasts, boneless, skinless
- 1 lime for serving
Marinade
- ¼ cup cilantro plus extra for garnish, chopped, fresh
- 2 tablespoons lime juice fresh
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine all marinade ingredients.
- Add the chicken and toss well to combine. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
To Grill
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F). Lightly oil the grill.
- Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 7-8 minutes. Turn over and cook an additional 6-8 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with lime slices and additional chopped cilantro.
Notes
- The marinade can be blended briefly if you prefer a smoother texture.
- When baking, cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Broil chicken 4 inches from the heat for about 5-6 minutes per side for a charred finish.
- For bone-in chicken, start by searing skin-side down, then bake and finish under broiler if desired.
- Do not marinate longer than 2 hours to avoid altering chicken texture due to acidic lime juice.
- Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor; bottled lime juice may add bitterness.
- Optional: Add chili powder or crushed red pepper to the marinade for extra heat.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 565 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 565 | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 41g | 63% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 222mg | 74% |
| Sodium | 621mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 528mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 413IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 36mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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