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Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

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3.8 from 67 reviews

This Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe offers a zesty and flavorful meal perfect for any weeknight. The chicken is marinated in a vibrant blend of lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and spices, then cooked to juicy perfection using your choice of skillet, grill, or air fryer. Simple to prepare and incredibly versatile, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, salads, or tacos for a fresh, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 6-oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 6-8 thighs

Marinade

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 limes, zested and juiced (3-4 tablespoons juice)
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnishing
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika or smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice and zest, honey, salt, paprika, nutmeg, black pepper to taste, and finely chopped cilantro. For convenience, you can use a food processor or blender to quickly combine the ingredients without chopping. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade to drizzle over the cooked chicken later.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl or gallon-size zip-top bag, pour in the remaining marinade, and turn to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or for enhanced flavor, up to 2 hours.
  3. Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  4. Cook in a Skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Drain the chicken from the marinade and place it in the hot pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes until browned on one side. Flip the chicken, cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Cook on the Grill: Preheat and grease the grill to medium heat (375–450°F). Drain the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5–7 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature is 165°F and chicken is cooked through.
  6. Cook in the Air Fryer: Place the marinated chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380°F for 5 minutes on each side, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board, squeeze additional lime juice over the top if desired, and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and serve as preferred.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor, but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat texture.
  • If using chicken thighs, adjust cooking time slightly as thighs take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
  • Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a drizzle or dressing after cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • The cayenne pepper is optional but adds a nice kick if you prefer some heat.
  • Serve with rice, salad, grilled vegetables, or inside tacos for a versatile meal.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/easy-cilantro-lime-chicken-recipe/