This Cilantro Lime Chicken is packed with fresh flavor from lime juice, garlic, and herbs, and it comes together with just a handful of ingredients. It's perfect for grilling season, but it's just as good seared in a skillet or roasted in the oven!
You can serve it straight off the grill with a side or two, slice it for tacos or salads, or pile it onto a flatbread with all your favorite toppings. It's one of those recipes you'll find yourself making on repeat, especially once you taste the flavorful, smoky marinade. Marinate ahead, cook quickly, and enjoy it in endless ways!
I created this easy marinated chicken recipe because I wanted something healthy that still has all the flavors I love (I'm a sucker for chipotle, lime, and cilantro; I even used chipotle in these smoked baked beans, which go surprising well with this chicken). It was also the inspiration for this flatbread with chicken, mango, & roasted jalapeños).
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts)
- The zest and juice of 3 limes
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder (adds smoky heat-optional but recommended)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers in adobo (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl or large resealable plastic bag, combine the lime zest and juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, onion powder, chipotle powder, salt, pepper, chopped cilantro, and adobo sauce (if using). Mix well to combine.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they're fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and up to 4 hours for best flavor. Don't marinate it much longer, as the lime juice can begin to break down the meat and affect the texture.
- Preheat your grill or skillet: Heat a grill to medium or preheat a grill pan or large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill or sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is nicely browned.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Enjoy it on its own, or use it in tacos, salads, bowls, wraps, or flatbreads.
Alternate Cooking Methods
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or use parchment paper liners designed for air frying.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Place in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is lightly browned.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
Oven-Baked Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish or on a foil-lined sheet pan.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra browning, broil during the last 2-3 minutes.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Substitutions
- Chicken breasts: Swap with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more forgiving results (especially great for grilling).
- Lime juice: In a pinch, use bottled lime juice, but fresh-squeezed gives the best flavor. Lemon juice can work, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Cilantro: If you're not a fan of cilantro, substitute with flat-leaf parsley or leave it out entirely; the lime and garlic will still carry the flavor.
- Adobo sauce: Skip it if you want less heat, or substitute it with a pinch of smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor.
- Olive oil: Any neutral oil like avocado or canola oil can be used instead.
- Chipotle powder: You can use smoked paprika or chili powder instead (just be aware that this will change the flavor). For a milder version, leave it out entirely.
How to Serve
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos: Slice the grilled chicken and serve it in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema or sour cream.
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls: Build a burrito-style bowl with rice, black beans, corn, avocado, and sliced chicken. Top with roasted tomato salsa or this avocado lime ranch dressing.
- Flatbread or Wraps: Use the chicken in a wrap or on flatbread with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and your favorite sauce for a quick lunch or dinner.
- Skewers: Cut chicken into chunks before marinating and thread onto skewers. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side (perfect for parties or meal prep).
- Salad Topper: Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber with a citrus vinaigrette or ranch dressing.
- Quesadillas or Nachos: Chop up the chicken and layer it into quesadillas or on top of nachos with melty cheese and jalapeños. It's especially delicious on these healthy nachos.
Equipment Needed
- Whisk or spoon (to mix marinade)
- Large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish (for marinating)
- Grill, grill pan, skillet, air fryer, or oven
- Tongs (for flipping chicken)
- Meat thermometer (to check doneness - 165°F internal temperature)
- Cutting board and knife (for slicing after cooking)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Citrus zester and juicer (optional, but helpful for prepping limes)
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store any leftover cilantro lime chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Slice or shred the chicken before storing if you plan to use it in salads, tacos, or wraps later.
Freezer:
Let the cooked chicken cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. For the best results, freeze it in individual portions for easy use later. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat sliced chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
- Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel, then microwave in 30-second intervals until it's warmed through.
- Oven: Cover it with foil and warm it at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 4-5 minutes (this method will give you slightly crispy edges).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I marinate cilantro lime chicken overnight?
It's best to marinate for 2 to 4 hours max. Because of the lime juice, marinating too long (especially overnight) can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
I often use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in this recipe. They tend to stay juicier when grilled or baked, too.
Is cilantro lime chicken spicy?
The chipotle powder and adobo sauce add a very mild kick. To make it spicier, increase the chipotle powder or add extra adobo sauce. To make it even more mild, simply reduce or omit those ingredients.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken in advance (up to 4 hours), then cook and store it for up to 4 days. It reheats well and is great for meal prep.
What if I don't like cilantro?
You can substitute fresh parsley or simply leave it out. The lime and garlic still give the chicken great flavor.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lime juice is the best by far, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
What should I serve with cilantro lime chicken?
It pairs well with rice, beans, grilled vegetables, or a crisp salad. You can also slice it up for tacos, wraps, or bowls.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairings
These are my favorite things to serve with cilantro lime chicken:
Cilantro Lime Chicken
This cilantro lime chicken is super flavorful, healthy, and perfect to use in any number of dishes - or just on its own!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts (3-4 breasts)
- zest and juice of 3 limes
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1-2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (optional))
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients except chicken into a small bowl, dish or large resealable plastic bag; mix well. Add the chicken and turn it to make sure it's coated well. Place in the fridge and let it marinate for at least two hours and up to four.
- Grill the chicken over medium heat until well-browned on both sides and cooked completely through. (See the post for alternative cooking instructions).
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 556Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 193mgSodium: 410mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 8gProtein: 71g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
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Tiffany Jones says
I always like a good, grilled chicken recipe and now I would imagine the cilantro would add a nice spice to it.
Kristy Bernardo says
It does add a lot of flavor, Tiffany 🙂
Donalyn@TheCreeksideCook says
Kristy, this has me yearning for the warm weather we need to really get grilling again. We have braved the cool weather a few times out of desperation, but I will be glad to say goodbye to the awful nasty spring we've been having so far. These make me think of sitting on the porch, sipping a refreshing beverage while they grill - yummy!
the wicked noodle says
I love that picture you just painted in my head! I want to come over to your house 🙂