Grilled chicken flavored with fresh cilantro and zesty lime. Cilantro Lime Chicken is the perfect summer grilling recipe!
By now your grill is probably dusted off and been fired up as summer is upon us. This simple, yet effective flavorful recipe will take your ordinary chicken breast to the next level. Cilantro Lime Chicken is the perfect enhancement for your next Sunday cookout.
All you need to start is a few chicken breasts, or thighs dependent upon your preference, spices, herbs, and a few pantry essentials. Start by creating the marinade for the chicken by adding together fresh lime juice, cilantro, salt, pepper, paprika, and honey for a touch of sweetness. Next add the chicken to the marinade and let it soak for a minimum of 2 hours.
Once the chicken has bathed in this flavorful marinade, place the chicken on your grill and cook for 7 to 8 minutes on each side. Once your poultry is grilled to perfection remove and let it rest for 5 minutes. After the chicken has rested, garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro and wedge of lime.
This satisfying summer dish will have your neighbors peeking over the fence asking if they can join you for dinner! 😉
DO I HAVE TO MARINATE THE CHICKEN FOR 2 HOURS?
Yes, for maximum flavor I’d recommend letting the chicken rest in the marinade for at least 2 hours. If you prep the day before, the chicken will take on more of the flavor from the marinade.
DO YOU HAVE TO GRILL THE CHICKEN?
Depending upon your setup, a large skillet or a baking dish will suffice if you do not have a grill. If you have a grill, I’d recommend using it though to give the chicken those beautiful grill marks that scream summer.
If you decide to cook with a skillet or baking dish, here’s how to do it:
Cooking with Skillet: preheat the skillet on your stovetop to medium to high heat. Then place chicken breasts (or thighs) onto the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until nice and golden brown and internal temperature of chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Baking: preheat the oven to 450 degrees and spray the bottom of a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Lay the chicken in the dish and bake for 30 minutes or to an internal temperature of 150 degrees.
CAN YOU USE OTHER CUTS OF CHICKEN?
You certainly can! The marinade works perfectly on drumsticks, wings, legs and tenders.
ENJOYED THIS RECIPE? TAKE A LOOK AT THESE SIMILAR SUMMER GRILLING RECIPES!
Teriyaki Chicken Kebabs- tender, marinated chicken pieces with fresh pineapple and green bell pepper.
Grilled Lemon Chicken- juicy chicken breasts grilled to perfection and bursting with citrusy lemon flavor.
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken- tender chicken thighs sizzle on the grill with a sweet and savory glaze made up of brown sugar, soy sauce, and ginger.
Chicken Taco Bites- bite size pieces of chicken covered in zesty taco seasoning, cilantro and lime.
Cilantro Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 medium boneless chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 Tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, honey, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.Add the four pieces of chicken to the marinade and stir to coat. Cover bowl with lid and place in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours.
- Remove chicken from marinade. Discard the marinade.Grill chicken over medium heat for 7 to 8 minutes, on each side, or until internal temperature of chicken reaches 165 degrees F. Serve warm and enjoy!
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