You can make this on your outdoor grill, on the stove with a grill pan, or bake it in the oven. Any way you decide to cook this delicious marinated chicken, it will be delicious. This easy chicken recipe is so tasty, you’re going to want to make it every week! A simple cilantro lime chicken marinade with garlic, honey, and a little bit of spice turns inexpensive chicken thighs into a juicy and delicious meal. I love grilling chicken that’s been marinated because all of the prep work is done early in the day or even the day before! Try my Mexican Chicken Marinade, or Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipes too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients In Cilantro Lime Chicken
Here’s everything you need to make this tangy, garlicky chicken:
Chicken: I’m using boneless, skinless chicken thighs today, but this marinade will be amazing on any type of chicken you’d like to cook. Try it with boneless chicken breast, chicken tenders, or bone-in versions. Cilantro: This fresh herb has a lovely flavor and is key to many Mexican dishes. Be sure to wash the cilantro well before chopping it coarsely. Lime: Use fresh lime juice, please! Bottled lime juice will not give you the same flavor. We’ll also zest the lime to be sure we get all of that citrusy goodness. Olive Oil: Oil in marinades helps to mellow the acidic effects of the citrus juice, and helps the meat absorb more of the flavors in the marinade.Garlic and Honey: for more layers of flavor, fresh garlic adds savory warmth while honey gives a bit of sweetness. Spices: Ground cumin and chili powder give cilantro and lime chicken that spicy, smoky flavor you expect.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make The Best Cilantro Lime Chicken
Ways to Cook Cilantro Lime Chicken
As mentioned, you can cook this chicken however you like! The amount of time it will take will depend on your cooking method, and if you’re using chicken thighs or breasts. Here are simple instructions for cooking marinated boneless skinless chicken thighs in a variety of manners: Grill or Grill Pan: Preheat your outdoor or indoor grill, oil the grill grates, and add the chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until you get grill marks and the chicken is cooked through. Skillet: Preheat a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add two tablespoons of oil and the marinated chicken thighs. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Air Fryer: Cook chicken thighs for 12-15 minutes at 390°F/200°C, flipping over halfway through the cooking time. Oven: Add the marinated chicken thighs to a sheet pan or baking dish and cook in a preheated 400°F/200°C oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Recipe Tips
Marinate Long Enough. You need to let the chicken chill in the marinade for at least half an hour, but several hours would be preferred. If you’d like to adjust the heat in this recipe, you can reduce or increase the amount of chili powder you add. In place of honey, try maple syrup or brown sugar. Zest the lime first, then juice it. It’s difficult to remove the zest from a lime that’s already been cut in half. To make zesting super simple, I like to use a microplane.Use a thermometer to test the chicken so you know when it’s cooked fully.
Storing Tips
Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This recipe works well for meal prep or lunches for the week.
What To Serve With Cilantro Lime Chicken
Serve this chicken with Mexican marinade with your favorite Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes! Easy Mexican Rice and Instant Pot Pinto Beans are the perfect accompaniment to this chicken, or you might enjoy serving it with tortilla chips and homemade guacamole. For dessert, try my simple and fresh Mexican Fruit Salad! Tangy and fresh, this Cilantro Garlic Chicken Marinade is a go-to when you need a delicious meal. Grill it, bake it, or pan-fry it – it’s perfect any way you cook it! © Little Sunny Kitchen
