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Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

Erin Indahl-Fink
Attention all cilantro lovers - this cilantro lime chicken recipe is for you! Made with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro and a few spices, this cilantro lime chicken marinade comes together in just minutes. The perfect healthy, flavorful weeknight dinner idea!
4.40 from 38 votes
Grilled cilantro lime chicken
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Dinner/Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 316 kcal

Equipment

  • Gallon sized Zip-Lock Bags Ideal for marinating chicken and steak, these zip-lock bags keep everything sealed and spill-proof for refrigeration.
  • Grilling Tongs These stainless steel grilling tongs by OXO are perfect for quick grilling.
  • Mixing Bowls These stainless steel mixing bowls are an essential cooking tool for every kitchen.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb. chicken breasts, thighs, legs, quarters or whole chicken

For Marinade:

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil good quality
  • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice juice of 2 limes
  • 1 Tablespoon lime zest zest of 1 lime
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic about 2 cloves
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, add the cilantro, EVOO, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Whisk together to combine.
  • To a resealable plastic bag or shallow baking dish, add the chicken. Pour the marinade over the top of the chicken, and cover well. Refrigerate the marinated chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes or maximum of 12 hours.
  • Preheat your outdoor gas grill or indoor grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil grill grates to prevent chicken from sticking. Grill the chicken for approximately 4-6 minutes per side (for boneless chicken breasts and thighs), or 8-10 minutes per side for bone-in cuts. Test for doneness using an instant read digital thermometer, with internal temperature reaching 165 degrees.
  • Enjoy chicken right away.

Notes

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Chicken will keep for up to 5 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 316kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 27gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 392mg
Keyword cilantro lime chicken marinade, cilantro lime chicken recipe, cilantro lime chicken, cilantro lime chicken thighs, cilantro lime chicken breasts, grilled cilantro lime chicken, cilantro lime grilled chicken
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