Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Cilantro Lime Chicken—a zesty, juicy, and utterly irresistible dish that brings fresh citrus flavors, a pop of herbs, and a touch of honey right to your table. It’s the perfect summer dinner that turns even the simplest meal into a vibrant celebration, with flavors so bold you’ll crave it again and again!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to unforgettable Cilantro Lime Chicken is all in the fresh and colorful ingredients! Each component in this lineup adds a layer of flavor, tenderness, or brightness, so be sure not to skip anything for the best results.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose whichever you love—the marinade will keep them juicy and full of flavor.
• Oranges and limes: Using both the zest and juice delivers double the citrus tang with incredible freshness.
• Olive oil: Locks in moisture and gives the marinade a rich, silky texture.
• Honey: Balances tartness with a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
• Ground cumin: Adds a faintly smoky, earthy depth that rounds out the zingy citrus.
• Soy sauce: Infuses savory umami and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Minced garlic: For a robust kick—fresh garlic makes all the difference!
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped coarsely for herbal brightness that defines this dish.
• Salt and black pepper: Just enough to make every other flavor really pop.
• Mango-avocado salsa (for serving): The perfect sweet-and-creamy topping to finish the chicken.
• Cilantro-lime or coconut-lime rice (optional): An easy, flavorful base that soaks up every last drop of saucy goodness.

Variations

Cilantro Lime Chicken plays well with almost any twist you can dream up! This recipe is endlessly forgiving and easy to customize—so don’t hesitate to make it your own, whether you’re swapping an ingredient or adjusting for dietary needs.

• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
• Swap the citrus: Try blood oranges or lemons instead of standard oranges and limes for a fun twist on flavor.
• Go dairy-free or gluten-free: The recipe is easily adaptable—just use tamari in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Try another protein: This marinade works wonders for shrimp, fish, or even tofu!

How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken

Step 1: Zest and Juice the Citrus

Start by zesting one orange and one lime with a fine grater—aim for about 1 teaspoon of zest from each. Then juice the oranges and limes, catching every last drop, until you have 3/4 cup orange juice and 1/3 cup lime juice. These aromatic juices and zests are what make Cilantro Lime Chicken sing with flavor!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: the citrus juices and zests, olive oil, honey, cumin, soy sauce, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Set aside 1/2 cup of this delicious mixture to use for basting later—this step ensures you’ll get extra glazing flavor as the chicken cooks.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Trim any excess fat from your chicken. For even cooking, either pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness or slice them in half horizontally. Place them into a large resealable bag and pour in the marinade (minus the reserved 1/2 cup). Seal the bag, massage gently to coat, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—up to 6 hours for the deepest flavor. Flip the bag halfway through to be sure every piece soaks evenly.

Step 4: Grill (or Cook) the Chicken

Preheat your grill to 450°F and oil the grates (or use a grill pan if working indoors). Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off (discard used marinade). Grill for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting each side generously with the reserved 1/2 cup marinade. When the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, it’s perfectly done—never dry, always juicy!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

While the chicken cooks, toss together a batch of mango-avocado salsa. If you’re feeling fancy, whip up some cilantro-lime or coconut-lime rice to serve as a base. Plate the Cilantro Lime Chicken, spoon the vivid salsa on top, and dive in right away for the ultimate burst of flavor and color!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Chicken

Garnishes

My favorite garnish for Cilantro Lime Chicken is a mound of vibrant mango-avocado salsa, but you can also scatter extra chopped cilantro and a few lime wedges over the top for that restaurant-worthy finish. A sprinkle of toasted pepitas or a swirl of spicy crema adds crunch and creamy balance, making your dish irresistible to the eye and palate!

Side Dishes

This chicken is a total team player when it comes to side dishes! Pile it high on fluffy cilantro-lime rice or coconut-lime rice for a base that catches all those saucy drips. Grilled corn, black beans, or a fresh green salad also make fabulous partners. Really, any cool and crunchy side will let the bold flavors shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Cilantro Lime Chicken into tacos with warm corn tortillas and extra salsa, slice thinly for a Southwest-style salad, or serve it atop rice bowls loaded with colorful veggies. For a party, arrange slices on a platter with rainbow salsa and lime wedges—guests can help themselves to their favorite toppings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your cooked chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—just remember to keep your mango-avocado salsa separate and enjoy it within a day for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Cilantro Lime Chicken freezes surprisingly well! Wrap portions tightly or store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating—you’ll want to freeze the chicken by itself, not the salsa, to preserve the freshest results.

Reheating

Gently reheat chicken in a covered skillet over low heat or pop it into a 300ºF oven until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch—just use short bursts to keep the chicken moist. A splash of reserved marinade or citrus juice can work wonders to revive juiciness!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall head over heels for this Cilantro Lime Chicken as much as I do—its juicy, citrusy flavors and simple prep make it a go-to favorite for any night of the week. Let your kitchen fill with the aroma of fresh herbs and bright citrus, and don’t forget to share it with someone you love!

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