Cilantro Lime Chicken
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This one-pan, cilantro lime chicken recipe is a superhero for busy weekday dinners when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Juicy chicken is slathered with a zesty, aromatic, and tangy marinade and then seared until charred and crispy. Each bite bursts with vibrant flavors – it’s sure to be a family favorite in no time!
Bright, fresh flavors meet juicy, tender chicken in this incredibly simple cilantro lime chicken. It comes together with minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, and it’s ready in about 20 minutes.
This is the kind of recipe I reach for on hectic weeknights, when takeout sounds tempting but I still want a homemade meal. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor — and the pan drippings left behind in the skillet are downright irresistible.
Ingredients notes
Delicious chicken dinners are ALL about the marinade, and this cilantro lime chicken marinade is SO GOOD. It proves that a few good, simple, and fresh ingredients are the best way to go. This is what you’ll need:
- Chicken: Use chicken thighs, or you can use chicken breasts if that is what you have. As chicken breasts are larger and take longer to cook, you’ll need to watch that the honey in the marinade doesn’t burn. If your pan is looking too dark, turn the heat down a little.
- Cilantro lime chicken marinade: Fresh cilantro, lime juice, avocado oil (or another neutral cooking oil), garlic cloves, chili powder, chili flakes, salt, and honey.
How to use cilantro lime chicken in other meals
This cilantro lime chicken works as the main character of a meal beside some rice and veggies – or you use it as a delicious, fresh protein source in other recipes, like on nachos or in a buddha bowl. Here are some other tasty ideas:
- Cilantro lime chicken burritos: Add some Mexican rice and black beans, top it off with some guacamole and corn salsa, and enjoy!
- Cilantro lime chicken tacos: Add this alongside your favorite taco toppings, then wrap them up in flour tortillas for a fresh twist on taco night.
- Cilantro lime chicken salads: Use this chicken as the protein source in a delicious, leafy salad. Pile up crunchy lettuce, fresh tomatoes, sweet corn, avocado slices, black beans, and shred some cheese! Add tortilla chips for crunch.
- Cilantro lime chicken lettuce wraps: Keep it simple and chop up the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then wrap it in a lettuce leaf with some pineapple salsa and creamy avocado sauce.
- Chicken dinner: Serve cilantro lime chicken beside some rice and veggies for a well-rounded meal! See our next section for suggested accompaniments.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work nicely in this recipe, too. Use 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook them for about 7-8 minutes per side in a pan. Because chicken breasts are larger and take longer to cook than thighs, you’ll need to monitor the honey in the marinade to ensure it doesn’t burn. If your pan is looking too dark, reduce the heat slightly. Ensure the chicken has cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to serve with cilantro lime chicken
Add some cauliflower rice or taco rice, lime wedges, a dollop of sour cream, then add a little burst of freshness with a tomato based salad, like this summer tomato and grilled corn salad. Other side dishes that go well with cilantro lime chicken include sauteed asparagus, avocado cucumber salad, or Mexican corn dip. Don’t forget the fizzy lime margarita!
Recipe FAQs
Can I cook cilantro lime chicken on the grill or air fryer?
Sure thing! Follow the first steps of marinating the chicken, fire up the grill or get out the air fryer, and cook until it is fully cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit on your meat thermometer.
Grilling will leave beautiful, flavorful char marks. The air fryer won’t make charred or crispy chicken, but it will have delicious, fresh flavors!
How do I store leftover cilantro lime chicken?
Store leftover cilantro lime chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or freeze in a freezer bag or freezer-proof container for up to three months.
Can I make cilantro lime chicken skewers with this?
Yes! Use the same marinade for smaller chunks of chicken. Thread the chicken onto a skewer and cook it on the stovetop or on the grill. You can also add vegetables, like green peppers or red onions, to the skewers.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes! If you like the heat, add more red pepper flakes; omit them to keep it mild.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Cilantro Lime Chicken Marinade
- ½ cup cilantro (finely minced)
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon EACH: chili powder, avocado oil, and honey
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes (if you like it a little spicy)
- 8 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Lime wedges and cilantro (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, avocado oil, honey, salt, garlic, and if using the chili flakes. Combine all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl.½ cup cilantro, ¼ cup lime juice, 1 tablespoon EACH: chili powder, avocado oil, and honey, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 4 cloves garlic, Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- Set aside ¼ cup of the marinade for serving. Add the chicken thighs to the remaining marinade, mix well, and set aside for 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in your fridge.)8 boneless chicken thighs
- Heat the cooking oil in a large cast iron or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it into the hot pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is well browned and cooked through.2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Serve the cilantro lime chicken topped with a spoonful of the reserved marinade, lime wedges, and extra fresh cilantro on top.
Video
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
Delicious . Easy to make
So happy that you enjoyed it!
Very fresh and delicious! I mixed the remaining marinade with sour cream for a really yummy dip.
Great idea with the dip!!
I make this often. It is deelish. And feels light and fresh.
This was sooooo good! My husband and I were dancing while we ate! I served with couscous and a tomato and cucumber salad. So fast an easy and the chicken was so flavorful!
Made this today & it was fantastic!!! I substituted the califlower for brown rice & instead of water used chicken broth. Left the best flavor in my mouth.
This looks yumm!! Definitely going to try this really very soon!!
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Thank you for mentioning we could use boneless, skinless, chicken breasts. That’s the only kind of chicken we eat. I appreciate it! Looks good ( easy.
You’re welcome! I hope you like the recipe as much as I do!
Yummy recipe.
I’m so happy to hear you like the recipe!