Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken is a fresh, zesty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm-weather cooking. Marinated in a vibrant blend of lime juice, garlic, olive oil, and cilantro, this chicken grills up juicy and golden with just the right amount of char. It’s incredibly versatile—serve it with rice, in tacos, over salads, or wrapped in a burrito for a simple and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright, bold flavor from fresh lime and cilantro
• Juicy, tender chicken thanks to the citrus marinade
• Great for grilling season or indoor grill pans
• Simple ingredients, big flavor
• Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb
• Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or skewers
• Meal-prep friendly and great for leftovers
• Delicious in bowls, tacos, wraps, or on its own
• Quick to prep and easy to cook
• A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for summer meals

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Fresh lime juice and zest
• Olive oil
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat

directions

1. In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken and coat well with the marinade. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours for more flavor).
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
4. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, if desired.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides or over a salad or grain bowl.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes to 8 hours
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes to 9 hours (mostly inactive)

Variations

• Use chicken drumsticks or wings for a fun BBQ twist
• Add a touch of honey to the marinade for sweetness
• Stir in chipotle powder or adobo sauce for smoky flavor
• Substitute lemon for lime for a different citrus profile
• Turn into skewers with bell peppers and onions
• Serve over cilantro-lime rice or quinoa for a full meal
• Add sliced avocado and corn salsa for a taco-style plate

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, microwave, or oven at 300°F until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What cut of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and forgiving, but breasts work great too—just don’t overcook them.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes, but 2–8 hours gives the best flavor. Avoid marinating overnight, as the lime juice can break down the meat too much.

Can I cook this without a grill?

Yes! Use a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.

Is this spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. The base recipe is flavorful but mild.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes! Freeze the chicken right in the marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime juice is best for flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.

What should I serve with cilantro lime chicken?

Try rice, grilled vegetables, corn salad, black beans, tortillas, or a fresh green salad.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! This is a great meal to scale up for meal prep or serving a crowd.

What if I don’t like cilantro?

Swap with fresh parsley or a mix of basil and mint for a different herb profile.

Can I turn this into tacos?

Yes! Slice the grilled chicken and serve in tortillas with avocado, salsa, and slaw.

Conclusion

Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken is everything you want in a summer meal—fresh, bold, juicy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this citrusy, herb-packed chicken is always a win. Serve it your favorite way and enjoy the flavor of sunshine in every bite.

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