Zesty Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Recipe For Summer Fun

Summers call for vibrant, zesty meals that dance on your palate, and this tangy cilantro lime grilled chicken recipe delivers pure excitement.

Bursting with fresh, bright flavors, our cilantro lime marinade infuses tender chicken with a mouthwatering punch of citrusy goodness.

The combination of cilantro, lime, and perfectly charred chicken creates a meal that’s both simple and spectacular.

Marinating transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary adventure that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Herbs and zesty lime juice work magic, tenderizing the meat and adding layers of irresistible taste.

Grilling brings out smoky undertones that complement the marinade’s bold profile.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this crowd-pleasing dish that promises to become a summer staple.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 5

What Makes Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken So Flavorful

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates smooth coating for even grilling.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, zesty tang and helps tenderize chicken meat.
• Lime Zest: Intensifies citrus flavor and provides aromatic freshness.

• Cilantro: Brings vibrant herbal notes and classic Mexican-inspired profile.
• Garlic: Provides deep, savory undertone and traditional aromatic complexity.
• Honey: Balances acidity, adds subtle sweetness, and promotes beautiful caramelization.

• Cumin: Delivers warm, earthy essence with traditional southwestern character.
• Chili Powder: Introduces gentle heat and smoky background complexity.
• Salt: Amplifies overall flavor and helps season chicken thoroughly.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild spiciness and classic seasoning dimension.

• Chicken: Select boneless, skinless breasts for quick, even cooking and lean protein.

Tools That Help You Sear Cilantro Lime Chicken to Perfection

• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together marinade ingredients quickly and easily.
• Resealable Bag: Alternative option for marinating chicken, ensuring even coating.
• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise measurements for olive oil, lime juice, and spices.
• Cutting Board: For preparing lime zest and chopping cilantro.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Key tool for cooking chicken with beautiful grill marks.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping and handling chicken on the grill safely.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing grilled chicken and preparing garnishes.

Grill Cilantro Lime Chicken That’s Packed with Brightness

• Create Flavor Bomb Marinade

Blend zesty lime juice, fragrant cilantro, crushed garlic, golden honey, warm cumin, spicy chili powder, and a pinch of seasoning in a mixing container. This magical mixture will transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Drench Chicken in Goodness

Completely coat chicken pieces in the vibrant marinade, ensuring every nook and cranny gets flavor love. Tuck the coated chicken into the refrigerator for at least half an hour, letting those amazing tastes mingle and dance.

• Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature. Pull out the marinated chicken and lay it gently on the grates. Grill each side until golden brown and perfectly cooked through, which takes about 6-8 minutes per side.

• Rest and Feast

Allow the chicken to relax for a few minutes after grilling, letting those delicious juices settle. Slice into beautiful pieces and garnish with fresh lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Adjusting Acidity or Heat in Cilantro Lime Chicken

• Let chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but overnight marination will intensify the cilantro and lime flavors for a more profound taste experience.
• Pat chicken dry before grilling to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming, creating those delicious golden-brown grill marks.
• Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan version, or use plant-based chicken alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Adjust chili powder to increase or decrease heat intensity, making the dish mild for kids or extra spicy for heat lovers.
• Freeze marinated chicken in portions for quick weeknight meals, allowing the flavors to develop even more during the freezing process.

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Chicken in Fresh Ways

• Fresh Fiesta Platter: Arrange grilled chicken slices over a colorful bed of Mexican-style rice, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation.
• Zesty Taco Transformation: Shred the chicken and stuff into warm corn tortillas, topped with fresh salsa, avocado slices, and a drizzle of sour cream for a quick and delicious taco night.
• Summer Salad Sensation: Slice the chicken and place atop a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, black beans, and a light cilantro-lime vinaigrette for a refreshing, protein-packed meal.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion the cooled grilled chicken into containers with quinoa and roasted vegetables for easy, flavorful lunch options throughout the week.

Storing Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Without Drying Out

• Store leftover grilled chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep chicken in sealed containers for 3-4 days, ensuring it stays moist by adding a splash of lime juice or chicken broth before sealing.
• Slice chicken into portion-sized pieces, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to enjoy up to 3 months later – perfect for quick meal prep.
• Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a few drops of water or broth, covering with a lid to retain moisture and prevent drying out, reaching an internal temperature of 165F.

Tangy Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Zesty cilantro lime grilled chicken delivers a Mexican-inspired flavor explosion that dances between tangy and bright. Marinated in a citrusy herb blend, this juicy chicken promises a delicious escape to summer’s most memorable outdoor feast.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) or thighs
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped fresh
• ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed, about 2 limes)
• 2 tbsps lime zest
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp cumin, ground
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for a kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Flavor Fusion: Whisk olive oil, lime juice and zest, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl or resealable bag to create a vibrant marinade.
2. Infusion Process: Submerge chicken completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Grilling Technique: Heat grill to medium-high temperature around 400°F. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding excess liquid. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, rotating once to create beautiful cross-hatch grill marks, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
4. Resting and Presentation: Allow grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and ensures maximum tenderness. Slice against the grain, garnish with fresh lime wedges and additional chopped cilantro for a bright, zesty finish.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cilantro, lime, and spices to deeply penetrate the meat for maximum taste.
• Maintain medium-high heat and avoid direct flames to prevent burning, ensuring even cooking and a perfect caramelized exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely, removing chicken at exactly 165°F to keep the meat juicy and tender.
• Swap honey with maple syrup for vegan option, use boneless chicken thighs for more moisture, or replace chicken with tofu for a plant-based alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg