This Cilantro Lime Chicken is packed with flavor and super easy to make! Juicy chicken gets marinated in a zesty mix of lime juice and fresh cilantro, making it bright and refreshing.
I love how this dish makes my kitchen smell amazing! Serve it with rice or veggies, and you’ll feel like a cooking superstar—even if you just followed the recipe! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give great flavor and juiciness. If you prefer, boneless, skinless thighs are a lighter alternative but won’t be as moist. You can also use chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key for that zesty flavor. If you’re not a fan or can’t find it, you can substitute with parsley for a milder taste or mint for something different.
Lime Juice and Zest: Fresh lime juice adds the right tanginess. In a pinch, bottled lime juice works, but fresh is always better. The zest enhances the flavor, so don’t skip it—consider orange zest for a sweeter kick.
Spices: The combination of cumin and chili powder gives a warm flavor. If you’re looking for a little more heat, add some cayenne pepper, or swap the spices for taco seasoning if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with the right steps, it can be a breeze. The key is to control the heat and time to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 375°F. A hot grill ensures crispy skin.
- Start grilling skin-side down so that the skin gets that beautiful crisp. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F for safety.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after taking it off the grill. This helps keep the juices inside.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred)
- Lime wedges and additional cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 40 minutes in total, including about 30 minutes for marinating the chicken and 10 minutes for grilling. If you prefer more intense flavors, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours. It’s a simple and tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the chopped cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful mixture is what will make your chicken delicious!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, making sure they are fully coated in the marinade. Once coated, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, up to 4 hours for more flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F. Take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off (don’t forget to discard the marinade). Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down if you have skin-on thighs. Grill it for about 6-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and has nice grill marks.
4. Flip and Finish Grilling:
Flip the chicken over and continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes. Make sure it cooks until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat!
5. Let it Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute so it stays juicy. When ready to serve, garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro. Enjoy your warm, flavorful cilantro lime chicken!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, just adjust the grilling time to about 4-5 minutes per side, as they cook faster than bone-in thighs. Make sure to check that the internal temperature still reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes for great flavor, but for even more intense flavor, marinate it for up to 4 hours. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acidity from the lime juice can break down the chicken and make it mushy.
How to Store Leftover Cilantro Lime Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook and dry it out!
Can I Grill This Chicken in the Oven?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cook for about 25-30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Broil for the last couple of minutes if you want that crispy finish!
