Description
Tender, juicy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, this Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken is an easy dinner you'll make on repeat. A simple marinade of fresh lime, cilantro, garlic, and spices creates flavorful chicken that's perfect for serving with rice, vegetables, tacos, salads, or sandwiches. Whether you're grilling for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile recipe delivers delicious results every time.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)
2 teaspoons lime zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon soy sauce
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and lightly season both sides with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper.
- Using a fork, pierce the chicken several times on both sides.
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, honey, soy sauce, remaining kosher salt, remaining black pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cilantro.
- Add the chicken and turn to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates if needed.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with Creamy Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce if so desired.
Notes
Season the chicken with salt and pepper before marinating to build flavor throughout the meat rather than just on the surface.
Pierce the chicken several times with a fork before marinating to help the flavors reach more of the meat.
Chicken thighs stay especially juicy on the grill, while chicken breasts provide a leaner option.
Marinate for at least 1 hour, but 4–8 hours will provide the best flavor.
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after grilling so the juices stay in the meat.
This recipe pairs beautifully with Avocado Cilantro Lime Crema for tacos, bowls, salads, wraps, and grilled vegetables.
The chicken is delicious sliced for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, wraps, quesadillas, or served alongside grilled vegetables.
Leftovers store well and make an easy protein option for lunches throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 - 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American