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!
This cilantro lime chicken is one of my favorite quick dinners when I want something fresh, flavorful, and low-effort. The chicken cooks up juicy and tender with bright lime flavor, plenty of fresh cilantro, and just enough chili and garlic to give it warmth and depth. It’s simple, fast, and the kind of recipe that immediately earns a spot in the regular dinner rotation.
The marinade is really the star here. Lime juice keeps the chicken bright and vibrant, honey helps everything caramelize beautifully, and the cilantro, garlic, and spices create tons of flavor with very little work. Whether you cook the chicken in a skillet, throw it on the grill, or bake it in the oven, the marinade becomes the most delicious coating and pan juices, perfect for spooning over rice, tucking into tacos, or soaking up with warm tortillas.
I especially love this recipe on busy weeknights because it comes together so quickly without tasting rushed. Chicken thighs stay especially juicy and flavorful, but chicken breasts work beautifully too. It’s one of those dependable recipes that works year-round and always tastes fresh, bright, and satisfying.
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.
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!
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.
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Nutrition
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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 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!