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Delicious Cilantro Lime Chicken is displayed as the featured image for the recipe.

Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken

This recipe delivers a perfectly balanced Cilantro Lime Chicken with bright, tangy, and savory flavors. The chicken breasts are marinated in a vibrant mixture of lime juice, cilantro, and spices, then cooked to juicy perfection using your preferred method: grilling, pan-searing, or baking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup lime juice freshly squeezed, about 3-4 limes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil for cooking, if pan-searing
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for garnish

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • whisk
  • Zip-top bag or shallow dish
  • Grill or Large skillet or Baking dish
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Meat thermometer
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • Pounder

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken: If the chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, cumin powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Do not marinate for longer than 4 hours.
  4. Cook the Chicken (Grilling): Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Cook the Chicken (Pan-Searing): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Cook the Chicken (Baking): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lime juice and cilantro. Do not over-marinate the chicken, as the lime juice can make it mushy. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve over rice with black beans and avocado, in tacos or burritos, or add to salads. You can adjust the amount of chili powder to your preference for spice level.