Name: Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 6 bone-in (skin-on chicken thighs); 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided); Zest and juice of 2 limes; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves

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The first time I whipped up Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe, I was amazed at how a handful of ingredients could create such a bold and fresh flavor. The zesty lime and vibrant cilantro paired beautifully with the juicy chicken. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make over and over again because it’s just so versatile. Whether I use it as a main dish, in tacos, or chopped up for salads, it never fails to impress.

What I love most is how easy this recipe is to prepare. A quick marinade, a sizzling sear on the stove, and a few minutes in the oven are all it takes. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory in every bite. If you’re looking for a meal that’s refreshing, full of flavor, and ridiculously easy to make, this Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Cilantro Lime Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any meal. Here’re reasons why you love this recipe.

Bursting with Bold Flavors

The combination of lime, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and a touch of honey is unbeatable. Each bite delivers a zesty kick and a hint of sweetness that makes this dish irresistibly good.

Quick and Simple Preparation

With a marinade that comes together in minutes and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want a no-fuss meal.

Versatile and Customizable

This chicken recipe pairs well with rice, vegetables, or even tacos. You can also adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more spice or sweetness as you like.

Healthy and Light

Cilantro Lime Chicken is naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, and uses fresh ingredients. It’s a guilt-free dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

Family-Friendly and Meal-Prep Approved

Double the recipe, and you’ll have leftovers perfect for tacos, salads, wraps, or even burrito bowls. It’s a great dish to meal prep for the week ahead.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

Chicken thighs or breasts
Fresh limes
Cilantro leaves
Garlic
Cumin
Chili powder
Honey
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper

Variations

Swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a depth of sweetness.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you love a spicy kick!

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing Bowl: To whisk the marinade together.
Sharp Knife: For cutting the chicken and chopping cilantro.
Large Skillet: For searing the chicken on the stove.
Oven-Safe Pan: To finish cooking in the oven.
Tongs: To flip and handle the chicken with ease.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken?

This vibrant and flavorful chicken dish comes together effortlessly with simple ingredients.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken 🍋

Start by making the marinade. Combine fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, honey, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until well blended. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, and coat evenly. Allow the chicken to sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to soak up all the flavors.

Step 2: Heat Things Up 🔥

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While waiting, remove the chicken from the fridge and set it on the counter to come to room temperature. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken 🍗

Place the chicken skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for 5 to 6 minutes, letting the skin turn golden and crispy. Flip the chicken over and cook the other side for a couple of minutes. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through yet—that will happen in the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection 🕒

Transfer the skillet with the chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Once done, take it out of the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This step ensures the juiciest results.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve 🌿

Finish it off with fresh lime slices and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. The vibrant green and zesty aroma make this dish as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Marinade Time: The lime and cilantro need time to infuse the chicken with their flavors. If you have longer than 30 minutes, marinate for up to 2 hours for even more flavor!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and cilantro make a huge difference. Avoid bottled lime juice, as it doesn’t have the same vibrant zing.
Check the Temperature: For the juiciest chicken, remove it from the oven at 160°F. It will continue to cook as it rests, reaching the safe temperature of 165°F.

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Chicken?

Main Dish: Serve over a bed of cilantro lime rice or alongside roasted veggies for a filling meal.
Taco Night: Shred the chicken and use it as a taco filling. Add salsa, guacamole, and a splash of hot sauce for the ultimate taco experience.
Salads and Wraps: Chop up the chicken and toss it into a fresh salad or wrap for a quick and tasty lunch option.

For a polished presentation, arrange the chicken on a platter, drizzle with fresh lime juice, and garnish with lime slices and extra cilantro.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approx.):

Calories: 331
Protein: 19g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 26g

Make Ahead and Storage

Meal Prep Made Easy

Cilantro Lime Chicken is perfect for meal prepping. Cook the chicken in advance and store it for quick assembly into wraps, salads, or bowls during the week. The flavors deepen even more as it sits, making leftovers just as delicious.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or sear in a skillet to warm through while maintaining the crispy outer layer.

Cilantro Lime Chicken is a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat! Whether served fresh or as leftovers, its tangy, garlicky, and herbaceous flavors are always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a favorite in your household!