Cilantro Lime Chicken

This Cilantro Lime Chicken is a super quick and easy weeknight meal. Use chicken thighs or breast marinated in fresh lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and spices for an ultra flavorful meal.

I’m always looking for simple and easy ways to put a healthy meal on the table. And don’t worry this one isn’t plain and boring!

A few other flavorful meals we love are Creamy Tuscan Chicken served over pasta, Beer Can Chicken, and this fresh and light Chicken Avocado Tomato Salad.

Grilling season is upon us and I couldn’t be happier! I love grilling for several reasons…..it’s easy clean up, keeps the heat out of the house, and it makes for flavorful healthy meals.

This Cilantro Lime Chicken is one I make often because it uses simple every day ingredients that are easy to find. And it’s packed with flavor.

And if you don’t want to grill it you can bake it or cook it on the stove top!

Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Chicken:

Chicken: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use skin-on bone-in if you prefer. Just add to your cooking time. If your breasts are really thick be sure to cut in half horizontally to speed up cooking time.

Olive Oil: or any cooking oil of your choice.

Lime Juice: use fresh lime juice. The bottled stuff you buy from the store is so bitter. If you really like lime flavor add the zest from 1 lime. Just note if you plan on marinating for longer than 2 hours I recommend leaving out the zest because it gets a little strong.

Cilantro

Garlic

Onion powder, Chili powder, Cayenne: Add so much flavor and a touch of heat. Can also omit the cayenne if you prefer.

Honey: Adds just a hint of sweetness to balance out the acidity of the limes.

Salt and pepper

3 easy ways to cook your chicken!

GRILL: Preheat grill to medium or medium-high heat (about 400 degrees F). Lightly oil the grate and place chicken on the grill. Grill 5-7 minutes per side or until an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. You can also use a grill pan and “grill on your stove top”.

BAKE: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place chicken in a baking dish or baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

STOVE TOP: Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken about 5 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

So many great uses!

Another thing I love about this recipe is how many uses it has.

• As is served with rice and Refried Beans
• Use it as fajita meat….one of our favorite ways to eat this!
• Regular tacos
• Make a sandwich with it
• Chop and use on top of a salad
• Make a burrito bowl with it

Tips for success:

1. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked properly. This serves as a two fold…..making sure you don’t undercook or overcook your meat.
2. If you are new to grilling try using chicken thighs as they are a little more forgiving than breasts. Breasts can dry out very quickly.
3. Be sure to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Be sure to fully preheat your grill or skillet before cooking the chicken.

Serving Suggestions:

• Quick and Easy Refried Beans
• Easy Spanish Rice
• Homemade Guacamole
• Pico de Gallo
• All the taco toppings if you choose to make tacos!