Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken features juicy, tender chicken in a flavorful cilantro lime marinade. A quick, easy, and versatile recipe that's perfect for summer grilling.
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
This Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken is easy to prep and uses fresh and simple ingredients to make juicy, tender chicken that's packed with southwest flavor.
The lime juice in the marinade makes the chicken extra tender, and infuses bright flavor all throughout every juicy bite.
This chicken will quickly become a summer favorite with how easy and versatile it is!
Enjoy the weather, and some yummy Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken!
What Cut of Chicken is Best for Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken?
Typically, I use boneless skinless chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are typically more forgiving on the grill, as they're a darker meat.
You can realistically use any cut of chicken that you'd like, including any bone-in varieties, as long as you adjust cooking time according to the size of the piece of chicken.
The safe cooking temperature for all chicken is 165°F.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
Marinate chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of 24 hours. Thinner cuts of chicken, like boneless thighs and breasts need less time, versus bone-in cuts or whole chickens. The longer you marinate chicken, the more flavorful the meat will be.
Poke holes in the chicken with a fork or skewer to allow the marinade to full penetrate the chicken. This is especially important for the thicker cuts.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Chicken
This grilled cilantro lime chicken is so versatile! It's one of the best parts about it! Here are some serving ideas:
- Meal prep- This recipe is easy to use as meal prep. You can keep it low carb and just add sauted onions and bell peppers, or you can add in some rice.
- Salad- My husband and I love loading a salad up with this chicken and some fresh homemade salsa and guacamole. So much fresh flavor!
- Tacos- Put this chicken in a tortilla to make a taco or burrito, or even use in a taco bowl!
- Main course- This chicken is amazing enough to hold it's own as the main event, served along side some quinoa or rice, refried beans, and a fresh vegetable, like this Mexican Street Corn Salad.
More Summer Recipes You'll Love
- Pesto Chicken Kabobs - juicy chicken and bright fresh tomatoes on a skewer brushed with nutty pesto.
- Grilled Maple Dijon Chicken - a sweet and tangy grilled chicken recipe that has just a few pantry ingredients and is one of our family favorites.
- Jicama Slaw - savory and a little sweet, this fresh slaw will brighten up every summer plate.
- Authentic Guacamole - fresh and creamy, this guacamole is easily the best you'll ever taste.
- Best Southern Potato Salad - potato salad is a summer staple, and this southern style version is creamy, tangy, and delicious.
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Video
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- 8 chicken breasts, thin cut (or use boneless skinless chicken thighs)
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 limes halved
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 jalapeno chopped, optional
- ¾ cup cilantro chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Add oil to a large bowl. Squeeze limes into bowl, and then leave rinds in the bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients except for chicken to the bowl. Stir to combine.
- Place chicken in bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. (You can also place chicken breasts in a gallon baggy. Then pour cilantro lime mixture into the bag and marinate in the refrigerator.)
- When ready to cook, preheat grill.
- Place chicken breasts on grill and cook, covered on high for 3 minutes. Flip breasts and continue cooking on high for an additional 3 minutes.
- Reduce grill heat to low and flip chicken again. Cover and continue cooking, 3 minutes more. Flip chicken again and cook 3 more minutes on low, or until a meat thermometer reads 160° when inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
Notes
- Gluten Free: Use gluten free soy or tamari or coconut aminos.
- Don't like cilantro? That's okay! Just skip or add another fresh flavor to the marinade such as parsley or jalapeno.
- For maximum flavor, poke the chicken with a fork to allow the marinade to penetrate all the way into the chicken.
- Make ahead: You can make the marinade up to 4 days in advance for a quick and easy dinner prep.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days.
- Freezer Directions: Once cooked, chop chicken into desired size pieces or leave whole. Allow to cool to room temperature. Transfer to a freezer bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a skillet on the stove or in a microwave safe dish in the microwave.
Nutrition
UPDATE INFO: This recipe was originally published in June 2018. It was updated with new tips and video and republished in June 2023.
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Tamara says
Every time I click the print button it opens up a new screen. Can you make it to where I can print this recipe? I sounds delicious!
Michelle says
It opens in print view in a new screen. Then you just click the print button on the top again and your print window should open.
Justine says
This was so delicious! Made me feel like summer on this dreary day.
Shelby says
This is our new go-to chicken recipe for Mexican night! Super juicy and flavorful!
Mahy says
This Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken looks very juicy and flavorful!
Sara Welch says
Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it was a savory success! Turned out tender, juicy and delicious; easily, a new favorite recipe!