Marinated and grilled, this Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is so easy to make.
Tender pieces of boneless chicken are marinated in zesty cilantro, lime, and garlic marinade for chicken that’s juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside!
This easy recipe needs little prep and few ingredients, but it’s loaded with big flavor.
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A Zesty Chicken Favorite
We love grilled chicken breasts or thighs and this cilantro chicken is next level for a great marinade.
- With just a few ingredients, this recipe has big flavor.
- Quick and simple, perfect for those busy nights or summer barbeques!
- No grill? No problem! This dish can also be made in the oven as well, making it the perfect meal all year.
- Serve it with rice, in tacos, or chopped on a salad.
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Chicken – For this recipe, I love boneless skinless chicken thighs as they’re juicy and flavorful. You can use chicken breasts, bone-in chicken thighs or breasts, or even shrimp! Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Marinade – Marinades add flavor but also help to tenderize the meat. This marinade is a simple combination of lime juice, lime zest, cilantro leaves, and of seasonings. Feel free to add in jalapenos or extra red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Mix the marinade in a bowl or freezer bag per the recipe below.
- Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Broil, bake, or grill.
Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
Don’t marinate longer than 2 hours or the lime juice can make the chicken mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success
- Allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Fresh lime juice is best in this recipe, the flavor of bottled lime can be bitter.
- The best way to tell if the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer, it should reach 165°F.
- Leftover chicken is great in a sandwich or sliced over a bed of lettuce for a tasty next-day-at-work salad!
More Grilled Chicken Favorites
Did you make this grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 lime for serving
Marinade
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 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 pulsed in a blender a couple of times if you prefer.
- Allow chicken to marinate at least 30 minutes. Due to the high amount of citrus in this recipe, don’t marinate longer than 2 hours.
- Fresh lime is best in this recipe, the flavor of bottled lime can be bitter.
- Optional add-ins: add 1 teaspoon of chili powder and/or 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper to the marinade to add a little bit of heat.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Chicken, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican, Tex Mex© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
One of my very favorite recipes so far!! Added extra lime juice and an extra clove of garlic, along with some smoked paprika and chipotle chili powder to the marinade. These were incredibly flavorful and juicy!! Made it alongside Hollie’s recipes for Cilantro Lime Rice and Mexican Elote!! Talk about a wonderful Tex-Mex meal straight off the grill!!
Not a huge fan of it, chicken came out juicy and cooked well but flavor was not what I was expecting.
Delicious!!! I make this at least once a month…it is so GOOD!!!!
I am so glad you are loving this chicken recipe Hollie!
I love this recipe. Done it with thighs so many times but today I’m trying it on wings
Delicious! Although I cooked mine in the air fryer. I shredded it up after and made hardshell tacos. And with leftovers the next day I made a nice salad definitely tasty and easy clean up
Tangy-tasty and juicy, Holly! I did ours in the air fryer due to summer heat. Came out great. Used your suggestion of serving with boiled corn on the cob, a perfect side. It was a nice summer dinner to have out on the patio with a glass of pinot grigio :) Thank you!!
Glad it was a hit Jackie!
I have just made the coriander lime chickend for the past two days, and my comuniments go to the cook! It is absolutely beautiful and very moreish and I will definitely make this again!
This is so full of flavor. Eating low carb, so I used monk fruit instead of the honey. Absolutely delish and I will be adding this to my meal planning. Yum
Thanks for the tip on the sweetener Julie. So glad you loved it!
Such an easy and delicious recipe. We loved it. Thank you
So glad you loved it, Linda!
your recipes are easy and super delicious
I’m so glad you’ve loved them Victoria! Thank you for following. :)
Do you marinate at room temp or in the fridge?
We marinate chicken in the fridge.
Thank you.
Sounds delish! My husband can’t eat honey. Can you suggest a sub? Love your recipies. Thanks, Holly
Hi Bee, we have only made this recipe as listed but you could maybe maple syrup in place of the honey. We would love to hear how it turns out for you!
A repeat favorite here. Going on the grill later today! I don’t alter a thing. Thank you!
Except for making extra marinade. Lol.
I’ve used this recipe about 40 times so I decided it’s time to leave a review! My kids call this Mexican chicken and it’s one of their favorites. Chicken is juicy and tender, so good.
Thank you so much for coming back and leaving a review! So glad your family has loved this recipe.
This is so GOOD!!! It is our new favorite recipe.
I added extra honey and used chili powder.
I can’t wait to make it again.
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS WEBSITE!
Thanks, Shona! :)
The marinade was tasty; however, there wasn’t enough marinade for 2 lb chicken. I would also use way more than 2 tbsp lime juice. I grilled the chicken after marinading 2+ hrs. I’ll make it again.
This chicken recipe is delicious! It was easy to marinade and from the grill, it was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Very flavorful! I served it with Jasmine rice and corn on the cob.
This recipe was easy and tasty!
This is amazingly good…and very easy.
Thank you so much for your continued efforts – Spend With Pennies is a joy to visit…I’m here every day for inspiration and ideas!
Keep up the good work.
Thanks Jonathan! Glad you are enjoying our recipes :)