Cilantro Lime Chicken

There’s something magical about the combination of cilantro and lime that always transports me to a sun-soaked beach. The Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I’m craving something light yet bursting with flavor. I remember the first time I made this dish; I was hosting a small gathering and wanted a recipe that was simple but impressive. The moment the chicken hit the grill, the aroma filled the air, and my friends couldn’t wait to dig in. Each bite reveals a perfect balance of zesty lime and fresh cilantro, making it a hit for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients Required for Cilantro Lime Chicken

When it comes to making the Cilantro Lime Chicken, the ingredients are simple yet impactful. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. The key players here include fresh herbs, spices, and high-quality chicken, all of which work together to create a mouthwatering experience.

• 1 pound boneless chicken breast, pounded to an even thickness: This cut of meat is tender and cooks quickly, making it ideal for marinating and grilling.
• 1 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves and stems: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and aroma, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled: Garlic brings a rich and savory depth to the marinade, complementing the other flavors beautifully.
• 3 tablespoons lime juice: Fresh lime juice provides the necessary acidity and tang that brightens up the entire dish.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This healthy fat helps to carry flavors and keeps the chicken juicy during cooking.
• 1 teaspoon EACH chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder: These spices add warmth and depth, creating a balanced flavor profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon EACH smoked paprika, salt, pepper, sugar, coriander: A combination of seasonings that enhance the chicken’s natural flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): If you enjoy a little heat, this optional ingredient can give your chicken a spicy kick.

How to Prepare Cilantro Lime Chicken

Preparing the Cilantro Lime Chicken is straightforward and rewarding. The key is in the marinating process, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome that will have your taste buds dancing.

1. Start by adding all the marinade ingredients—1 cup of cilantro leaves and stems, 4 peeled garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, ground cumin, and onion powder, along with 1/2 teaspoon each of smoked paprika, salt, pepper, sugar, coriander, and 1/4 teaspoon of optional cayenne pepper—to your food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
2. Once your marinade is ready, reserve 2 tablespoons for basting later. Pour the remaining marinade into a shallow dish or a large freezer bag, then add the pounded chicken breast. Turn the chicken to fully coat it in the marinade. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 10 hours for maximum flavor.
3. When you’re ready to cook, take the chicken out of the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
4. In a large non-stick skillet or grill pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Carefully drain the chicken from the marinade, pat it off to remove excess, and add it to the skillet.
5. Cook the chicken undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to develop a nice brown crust on one side. Then, turn the chicken over, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, depending on the thickness, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken to a cutting board and baste it with the reserved 2 tablespoons of marinade. For an extra zesty touch, you can garnish with additional lime juice to taste. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
7. If you prefer grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat, about 375 to 450 degrees F. Drain the chicken from the marinade, pat it dry, and place it on the grill. Grill the chicken undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through. Again, make sure the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F.
8. After grilling, transfer the chicken to a cutting board, baste it with the reserved marinade, and garnish with lime juice if desired. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Success

Creating the perfect Cilantro Lime Chicken can be a breeze with the right tips. These suggestions will help you achieve optimal flavor and texture every time you make this dish.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just ensure it’s well-sealed and use it within 3 months for best quality.
• Pairing: This dish is fantastic with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. Consider a light vinaigrette for the salad to complement the flavors.
• Variations: Feel free to add spices like paprika or chipotle for a different flavor profile. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a twist.
• Garnishing: Fresh avocado slices or pico de gallo can enhance the dish’s presentation and flavor.

Perfect Matches for Cilantro Lime Chicken

When it comes to serving the Cilantro Lime Chicken, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

• Serving with Rice: A fluffy side of cilantro lime rice pairs perfectly, absorbing all the zesty flavors.
• Fresh Salads: Tossed greens with a lime vinaigrette can make for a refreshing side that complements the chicken.
• Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and corn add color and nutrition, enhancing your meal.
• Festive Occasions: This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or even a casual weekday dinner.
• Wraps and Tacos: Sliced chicken can be used in soft tortillas with fresh veggies for a quick and delicious meal.
• Simple Dips: Serve it with a side of guacamole or a cilantro lime sauce for dipping, which can elevate the flavor even more.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Cilantro Lime Chicken is a delightful dish packed with fresh flavors and versatility. It’s truly a dish that brings joy to any table, whether you’re having a casual weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed! Each bite is a celebration of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

Cilantro Lime Chicken

The ultimate light and flavorful dish, Cilantro Lime Chicken is marinated to perfection with zesty lime and fresh cilantro. It's the perfect choice for a quick dinner or a weekend barbecue. You won't be able to resist making it tonight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless chicken breast pounded to an even thickness
• 1 cup cilantro leaves and stems loosely packed
• 4 garlic cloves peeled
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder EACH
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin EACH
• 1 teaspoon onion powder EACH
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika EACH
• 1/2 teaspoon salt EACH
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper EACH
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar EACH
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander EACH
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Equipment

• Skillet
• Peeler
• Chef's Knife
• Food Processor
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Add all marinade ingredients to your food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, scraping down sides several times. Remove and reserve 2 tablespoons for basting. Add the remaining marinade to a shallow dish or large freezer bag. Add chicken and turn to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator 2 to 10 hours.
2. When ready to cook, remove chicken from fridge and let sit at room temperature 20 to 30 minutes. Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once very hot, drain chicken from marinade, pat off excess and add to skillet.
3. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes, or until nicely browned on one side. Turn chicken over, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Cook for approximately 4 to 6 more minutes, depending on thickness of chicken, or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove chicken to cutting board and baste with reserved 2 tablespoons marinade. Garnish with additional lime juice to taste if desired. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
5. If grilling, grease and preheat the grill to medium heat, 375 to 450°F. Drain chicken from marinade, pat off excess and add to grill. Grill chicken undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through. An inserted thermometer should read 165 degrees F.
6. Remove chicken to cutting board and baste with reserved 2 tablespoons marinade. Garnish with additional lime juice to taste if desired. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just ensure it's well-sealed and use it within 3 months for best quality.
• Tip 3: This dish is fantastic with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
• Tip 4: Feel free to add spices like paprika or chipotle for a different flavor profile. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a twist.
• Tip 5: Fresh avocado slices or pico de gallo can enhance the dish's presentation and flavor.

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Meet Blaire Holloway

Taking traditional feast recipes and giving them a modern, vibrant twist is what drives me. I want to keep your menu exciting and fresh. I handled the cooking and photography for this recipe, working to bridge the gap between classic comfort and contemporary flavor for your table.