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 ā it's sure to be a family favorite in no time!
Love these flavors? Try them in dressing form, with this delicious cilantro lime ranch dressing recipe.
Bright, fresh flavors, meet juicy, tender chicken with minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients. Cilantro lime chicken is so simple to throw together in just 20 minutes. It's perfect for those hectic weeknights where the allure of grabbing fast food could make life sound easier, but you also have a desire for a healthier homemade meal. THIS recipe is the answer: simple, quick, easy, and packed full of delicious flavor. Don't get us started on the pan drippings in your skilletā¦
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:Ā 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 make cilantro lime chicken
It doesn't get easier than this: whisk the marinade together, toss the chicken, then cook! Here are the instructions:
- Cilantro lime chicken marinade: Whisk all the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl. Set aside a little of the marinade and then add the chicken and toss to coat, setting it aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook: Sear on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Spoon on some marinade you set aside and enjoy your delicious simple dinner!
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 ā 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:Ā Add some Mexican rice and black beans, top it off with some guacamole and corn salsa, and enjoy!
- Cilantro lime chicken tacos:Ā 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:Ā 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. You'll want to use 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and cook them for about 7-8 minutes per side in the pan. As chicken breasts are larger and take longer to cook than thighs, 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. 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.
Cooking on the grill 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 on the stovetop or grill. You can also add vegetables, like green peppers or red onion to the skewers.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes! If you like the heat, add additional red pepper flakes, or omit them to keep it mild.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Cilantro Lime Chicken Marinade
- Ā½ cup cilantro (finely minced)
- Ā¼ cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon EACH: chili powder, avocado oil, and honey
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- Optional: Ā½ 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.Ā½ cup cilantro, Ā¼ cup lime juice, 1 tablespoon EACH: chili powder, avocado oil, and honey, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 4 cloves garlic, Optional: Ā½ teaspoon chili flakes
- Set aside Ā¼ 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.
For more inspiration, check out all of our chicken recipes!