Description
Lime and Cilantro Chicken brings zesty summer grilling right to your plate with bold Mexican-inspired flavors that dance across your taste buds. Perfectly charred and packed with herbal brightness, this simple recipe turns your backyard barbecue into a flavor celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Herbs and Aromatics:
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 3 fresh limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Squeeze 3 limes, releasing their tangy juice into a large mixing bowl. Your marinade will capture the fresh, bright citrus essence.
- Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ cup chopped cilantro, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Whisk ingredients until thoroughly blended.
- Submerge 4 chicken breasts into the marinade, ensuring each piece gets completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to absorb maximum flavor.
- Heat grill or grill pan to 450°F. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip away before placing on hot surface.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on first side, listening for a consistent sizzling sound. Flip and cook additional 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer grilled chicken to a clean cutting board. Allow 3-4 minutes of resting time to help juices redistribute evenly.
- Slice chicken into diagonal strips approximately ½-inch thick. Sprinkle remaining fresh cilantro over top and serve with lime wedges for extra zesty punch.
Notes
- Marinating longer develops deeper flavor, so refrigerate overnight if time allows.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness before marinating to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Fresh cilantro makes a huge difference, so avoid dried herbs for this recipe.
- If grilling isn’t possible, a hot cast-iron skillet works perfectly for achieving those delicious caramelized edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg