Cilantro Lime Chicken
Published February 20, 2023 • Updated February 25, 2023
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Cilantro lime chicken is an easy dish that is bursting with flavor and perfect for a family dinner, summer BBQ or meal prep for the week ahead. The combination of fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice creates a marinade that infuses the chicken with an incredible tangy and aromatic flavor.
6
Servings
259
Calories
18.7g
Fat
24.1g
Protein
0.4g
Net Carb
0.6g
Total Carbs
Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
This is a simple and easy recipe that combines fresh and zesty ingredients to create a flavorful chicken marinade to coat chicken thighs, breasts or chicken legs. You only need at least 30 minutes of marinating to infuse flavor; however, 2 hours is ideal.
Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or simply looking to try something new, cilantro lime chicken is a tasty meal that will sure to become a favorite in your household. And if you have leftovers, just toss the diced chicken in tacos, wraps or a salad. How to make cilantro lime chicken
- Make cilantro lime marinade – whisk together avocado oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic and seasonings.
- Marinade chicken – pour marinade over chicken and let marinade for at least 30 minutes (ideally 2 hours).
- Cook chicken either by grilling, roasting in the oven or air fryer.
Key ingredients & substitutions
- Cilantro lime marinade – An easy chicken marinade that only takes 30 minutes to infuse zesty flavor. Every good marinade has a fat, acid and flavor component. This marinade uses avocado oil as a fat and lime juice for acidity. For flavor, cilantro, garlic and smoked paprika are added (as well as salt & pepper). Regular paprika could be substituted for smoked paprika and garlic powder could be used in place of minced garlic.
- Chicken – In this grilled chicken recipe, I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs; however, any cut of chicken can be used. Chicken thighs, chicken breasts, wings, legs or even chicken tenderloins. Can use bone-in chicken or boneless cuts of chicken.
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Ingredients
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, breasts or legs -
¼ cup avocado oil
-
¼ cup lime juice (fresh or bottled)
-
¼ cup chopped cilantro
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
Step by Step Instructions
Cilantro Lime Marinade
In a small bowl, combine all ingredient except the chicken. Whisk until evenly mixed.
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Marinade chicken
Add chicken to a large bowl or ziploc bag. Pour in marinade and mix to evenly coat all over chicken.
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, breasts, legs, etc
Grill chicken
Add chicken thighs to a grill preheated to medium high heat (375 degrees). Grill on each side for about 3-4 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Chicken will take longer to cook if it is bone-in or chicken breast.
This cilantro lime chicken is bursting with flavor. The tangy lime and fresh cilantro make it a refreshing dish.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it and if so what temperature should I use?
Sure can! Roast them in a casserole dish in the oven at 425 degrees F on the middle rack for about 20 minutes.