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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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