Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken
A bright and flavorful chicken recipe featuring fresh cilantro and lime, perfect for quick summer meals with only five main ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed (about 30 grams)
- Juice of 2 large limes (about 4 tablespoons or 60 ml)
- 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by combining cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Pulse until blended but still a little textured. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Place chicken in a bowl or resealable bag and pour marinade over it, coating all pieces well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 2 hours. Do not marinate longer than 4 hours.
- Preheat grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). If using a skillet, add a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is charred but juicy.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not marinate chicken longer than 4 hours to avoid mushy texture. Let chicken rest after cooking for juiciness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperature. Pat chicken dry before cooking to prevent flare-ups or poor searing. For extra char, finish over direct heat for 1-2 minutes per side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 ounc
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 3
- Protein: 40
Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, easy chicken recipe, summer chicken, grilled chicken, quick dinner, 5-ingredient meal