Cilantro Lime Chicken

This Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is juicy, zesty, and packed with flavor. Boneless chicken thighs are marinated in olive oil, garlic, fresh lime, cilantro, and chili powder, then seared to perfection. Quick, healthy, and perfect for weeknights or meal prep!

Introduction

Few recipes walk the line between effortless and impressive quite like Cilantro Lime Chicken. With bold citrusy brightness from lime, a touch of sweetness from honey, and the earthy kick of chili powder, this dish is a flavor explosion that requires only a handful of simple ingredients.

Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, prepping protein for salads and tacos, or feeding a hungry family, this recipe delivers. The chicken thighs come out tender, juicy, and caramelized, with just the right balance of smokiness, tang, and freshness.

And here’s the best part—it all comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful & Fresh: The combination of lime, cilantro, garlic, and spices creates a vibrant, restaurant-quality marinade.

• Quick & Easy: Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and under 30 minutes of cooking.

• Versatile: Serve it with rice, tortillas, grilled veggies, or as protein for salads and bowls.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Stays tender and juicy even when reheated, making it perfect for weekday lunches.

• Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with protein, naturally gluten-free, and easily adaptable to low-carb or keto lifestyles.

Ingredient Breakdown

Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors:

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (⅓ cup)
  Acts as the base for the marinade, keeping the chicken moist while carrying the flavors of garlic, lime, and spices. A high-quality olive oil makes a difference here, so opt for one with a fruity, robust flavor.

• Garlic (6 cloves, minced)
  Garlic adds depth, savoriness, and a warm punch. Fresh garlic is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch.

• Honey (1 tablespoon)
  Just a touch of sweetness balances the acidity of lime and rounds out the heat of chili powder. It also helps caramelize the chicken as it sears.

• Lime Zest (2 teaspoons)
  Don’t skip this! Lime zest packs concentrated citrus oils that bring brightness and vibrancy to the marinade.

• Fresh Lime Juice (¼ cup, from 2 limes)
  The star of the dish. Lime juice tenderizes the chicken while adding refreshing tang. Always use fresh limes for the best flavor.

• Fresh Cilantro (¼ cup, minced)
  Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor that pairs perfectly with citrus and spice. Even if you’re not the biggest cilantro fan, this dish uses just enough to brighten without overwhelming.

• Chili Powder (2 tablespoons)
  Provides a smoky, earthy backbone. Depending on the brand, chili powder can be mild or spicy—adjust based on your heat preference.

• Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon)
  Enhances all the flavors and ensures the chicken isn’t bland. If using table salt, reduce slightly as it’s more concentrated.

• Black Pepper (½ teaspoon, freshly cracked)
  Adds a sharp, slightly spicy bite. Freshly cracked pepper elevates the overall taste.

• Chicken Thighs (3 pounds, boneless, skinless)
  Thighs are perfect here because they stay juicy and tender even at high heat. You can substitute chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 teaspoons lime zest

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, minced

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, honey, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. Marinate the Chicken
   Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and turn to coat evenly. Let them marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes (or refrigerate up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

3. Cook the Chicken
   Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the chicken in a single layer and cook, undisturbed, for about 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Rest & Serve
   Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Over-Marinate: Lime juice is acidic—too much marinating (more than 2 hours) can break down the chicken’s texture.

• Batch Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches so the chicken sears properly instead of steaming.

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.

• Cilantro Substitutes: If you’re one of the people who taste soap in cilantro, try fresh parsley for a different (but still delicious) flavor.

• Grill Option: This recipe works beautifully on the grill! Grill thighs over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side.

Serving Suggestions

Cilantro Lime Chicken is endlessly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

• With Rice or Quinoa: Serve over cilantro-lime rice, coconut rice, or quinoa for a filling meal.

• Tacos or Burrito Bowls: Slice the chicken and add it to tortillas with salsa, avocado, and cheese.

• Salads: Top a fresh green salad with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, and avocado for a protein-packed lunch.

• Veggie Sides: Pair with roasted peppers, grilled zucchini, or charred corn on the cob.

• Meal Prep: Store cooked chicken in containers with rice and veggies for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes to the marinade.

• Coconut Lime Chicken: Replace half the olive oil with coconut milk for a creamy twist.

• Smoky Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or cumin.

• Chicken Breasts: Substitute boneless breasts, but reduce cooking time slightly.

Why You Will Love This Dish

This recipe is more than just chicken—it’s a weeknight hero. Readers will love it because:

• It’s easy yet impressive—the flavors taste like something from a restaurant.

• It’s budget-friendly—a big batch of chicken feeds the whole family.

• It’s adaptable—use it in tacos, salads, bowls, or as a main protein.

• It’s healthy—protein-packed, flavorful, and naturally gluten-free.

Yield: 4

Author: CookSnapBake.com

Print

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Cilantro Lime Chicken

This Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is juicy, zesty, and packed with flavor. Boneless chicken thighs are marinated in olive oil, garlic, fresh lime, cilantro, and chili powder, then seared to perfection. Quick, healthy, and perfect for weeknights or meal prep!

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 30 Min

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Instructions

1. Whisk olive oil, garlic, honey, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Marinate at room temp for 15 minutes (or refrigerate up to 2 hours).
3. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6 minutes per side, until golden brown and 165°F inside.
4. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

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