Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
35 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
377 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
Description
The Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe uses a marinade blending olive oil, fresh lime juice, garlic, chopped cilantro, paprika, honey, salt, and black pepper to infuse the chicken meat with bright, fresh flavors. The marinade helps tenderize the chicken, balancing acidity from lime with the savoriness and mild heat from garlic and paprika.
The chicken—either breasts or thighs—is marinated for at least 30 minutes and up to two hours, then cooked using a preferred method: grilling over medium heat for a lightly charred exterior, sautéing in a skillet with some oil to produce a golden crust, or oven baking at 400°F for even cooking. The diverse cooking methods allow the recipe’s flavor profile to shine through while adapting to kitchen tools and preferences.
Serving suggestions include lime wedges and additional chopped cilantro for garnish, adding fresh brightness just before eating. This chicken works well as a main dish alongside vegetables, in tacos, or salads. Ensuring even thickness of chicken pieces via pounding promotes uniform cooking and juiciness. Use of an instant-read thermometer confirms safe doneness at 165°F.
The chicken should be patted dry before cooking for better browning, and thinner chicken pieces cook more quickly and evenly. Marination time impacts flavor intensity but should not exceed two hours to avoid overly soft texture.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast 4 small/medium chicken breasts, or thighs
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 3 Tbsp cilantro finely chopped, plus more to garnish
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper ground
- 1 tsp paprika ground
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 lime cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken
- In a bowl, combine oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, pepper, paprika, and honey for the marinade.
- Add the chicken to the mixture and allow to marinate for 30 minutes or up to 2 hours then cook the chicken either on the grill, in a skillet, or bake it in the oven (see instructions below). Once it's cooked, serve with lime wedges and garnish with more cilantro if desired.
How to Grill Chicken
- Preheat the grill to medium heat. Cover and grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, or until cooked through*.
To Cook Chicken in a Skillet
- Set a large non-stick, non-reactive skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp oil and sautee chicken in a single layer for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through*, depending on the thickness of your chicken. If your chicken is very thick, cover the chicken with a lid after you flip it.
How to Bake Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the chicken breast on a lined baking sheet or large casserole dish. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
Notes
- Even out chicken thickness by pounding between plastic wrap for tender, uniform cooking.
- Cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F measured with an instant-read thermometer.
- Choose your preferred cooking method: grill, skillet, or oven to suit your equipment and taste preference.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 377 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 377kcal | 19% |
| Carbs | 7g | |
| Protein | 48g | 96% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 145mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 846mg | 35% |
| Potassium | 877mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 335IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 15mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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