Zesty, moist, juicy and out-of-the-world cilantro lime chicken is sure-fire way to tantalize your palate and I have the perfect recipe for you. Just look at the pictures, don’t you just feel happy (and hungry!) at the very sight of this chicken?
This Mexican-inspired recipe couldn’t be any easier as simple ingredients are all you need. Aromatic cilantro, fresh lime, garlic, chili flakes are the main ingredients that bring out the explosive flavors of the chicken. The secret is to use lots of cilantro stems and some cilantro leaves.
I used skin-on chicken thighs but deboned. You can use skinless and boneless chicken breast or chicken thighs if you prefer. Marinate the chicken for 15 minutes, then pan-fry it for a few minutes before baking it for 20 minutes. Dinner is ready before you know it, and everyone will be happier after feasting on this chicken.
Other Recipes You Might Like
NEW! MENU PAIRING IDEAS:
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Mushrooms
More Delicious Recipes
Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab
Chili Lime Chicken
Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken
SUBSCRIBE TO RASA MALAYSIA NEWSLETTER AND GET EASY AND DELICIOUS RECIPES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. If you try my recipe, please use hashtag #rasamalaysia on social media so I can see your creations! Follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter for new recipes, giveaways and more.
Tom ~ Raise Your Garden
Love cilantro and lime in this chicken because it adds lots of flavor but not calories ~ which my Doc says I don’t need right now. High cholesterol and I’m only 36! Wants to put me on cholesterol lowering drugs even though I’m in a good weight range. So it’s healthy eating for me, would rather change my diet than go on drugs!
Rasa Malaysia
Hey Tom, don’t worry I think cholesterol is hereditary and genetic, just make this cilantro lime chicken with skinless thighs or breasts. For me, it’s all about the skin. ;)
Madeline
Hi! This recipe is SO GOOD and great reheated. I can’t stop eating it! I’m a little confused about the calorie count – it says 1/3 the recipe = 630 calories, but is that the amount for 1 1/2 pounds of chicken? I cook this with chicken breasts and it’s delightful. Thanks for changing my life!!
ADAM
I dont know that i would say “Dont worry”. You might want to read the Heart Attack Gene. Im young too and its doesnt mean just cause ots hereditary you worry less, you may worry more…
http://amzn.to/2y6gjSi
Ashley
Can you make this with chicken drum sticks?
Rasa Malaysia
Yes you can.
HL
Hi, your narration mentions use of garlic but garlic is missing from your recipe.
Rasa Malaysia
Oops, thanks for pointing out. Updated.
Cecilia Floren
I made this for dinner last night… it was delicious!
Thank you for the recipe.
Randy R
Maybe I read the recipe wrong but if you put the leftover marinade on the finished chicken be sure to boil it first. This will kill any bacteria that it might have gotten from the raw chicken.
Dee
You’re right, any marinade from raw chicken needs to be cooked. Otherwise food poisoning big time! Food blogger basics surely.
Rasa Malaysia
Of course. That’s just common sense. No one would use the marinade (before cooking). I meant the dripping.
Randy R
I would suggest boiling the marinade after it is used if you plan on adding it back to the chicken at the end. This will kill any bacteria it might have gotten from the raw chicken.
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Randy, thanks for letting me know. I meant the marinade residual (after baking) on the chicken…thanks for letting me know.
Joan
Its called drippings
Sandy
Hi was planning to make this Tonite but marinated chicken breast in cilantro lime over nite and then read not to over nite. Should I not prepare it.what will happen if I do?
Rasa Malaysia
It’s fine.
Mrs Suvi
This looks absolutely fabulous. I will make it this week!
Rasa Malaysia
Great, try it I am sure you will love this cilantro lime chicken.
NJ-Cook4You
Need to make these immediately! My mouth is watering!
Greets,
Rasa Malaysia
:)
Lori
How long would you cook the boneless skinless chicken breast?
Rasa Malaysia
About the same time, or a couple of minutes longer.
Elayne E Glasser
Thank you. I have defrosted breasts in my frig, along with cilantro, lime juice & zest and garlic.
I made a smiliar marinade for boneless top sirloin fajitas tonight. Added soy sauce, worsterschire, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, dash of cayenne., lime juice & zest.
Sauteed orange & green peppers, white & red onions in same marinade. Was so yummy.
Rasa Malaysia
Yummy, sounds so good!
Sandra
I’m allergic to cilantro. Could you recommend something to use instead?
Rasa Malaysia
Perhaps you can use Italian parsley.
Lea
Are you allergic to Culantro also? Very similar flavor but Culantro is stronger
Adriana Salinas
I am making this tonight? I can’t wait! What side or sides would you recommend?
Rasa Malaysia
I like this chili lime corn: https://rasamalaysia.com/skillet-chili-lime-corn/ with this cilantro lime chicken. It’s a complete Mexican-style meal. Or you can try any recipes here: https://rasamalaysia.com/tag/side-dish/
Niki
Your recipe says to marinate for 15 minutes, but is there any harm in marinating longer (like overnight)?
Rasa Malaysia
The lime juice might “cook” the cilantro lime chicken if marinated too long. You can marinate for a couple of hours. :)
Chandrashekar.s
The colour of the chicken is mouth watering and the lime too. Thanks for the fabulous cilantro lime chicken :) I’m too a chef like you. And thanks for the chicken story I’ll definitely try with some white wine.
Karen
Ooo. I’m so excited for this one. My husband loves this flavor but I always have to use a packet. He’s gonna love this. Thanks!!
Breanna
Looks delicious!!!! I loveeee cilantro and garlic!! Im like you i prefer skin on thighs due to how flavorful and juicy it is BUT i have leftover breast.Saw this recipe and my chicken is marinating as i type this I am super excited thanks for posting
Rasa Malaysia
You will love this cilantro lime chicken recipe.
Heidi Harris
I enjoy reading all the comments. I just wish more people would comment after they have actually made the dish so that’s what I am going to do. I followed the recipe as stated (I did use a bit more red pepper flakes because my family likes spicy) and let me tell you – this was one of the best chicken recipes I have ever made!!! I did use boneless chicken thighs andt they were also skinless but I don’t think it took away from the flavor at all…they still browned up nicely! Not only is it easy but there is not a long list of ingredients (most of them I already had) and I was able to make this after working all day. My daughter and husband loved this recipe and I am making it again tonight. Thank you for this recipe!! Oh, I served this with a German cucumber salad that was a nice contrast with the spice of the chicken. There were NO leftovers!
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Heidi, awww, thanks so much for your wonderful comment. I am humbled that you love my cilantro lime recipe. You should try the chili lime recipe on my site, it’s going to blow you away: https://rasamalaysia.com/chili-lime-chicken/ or check out all the dinner recipes on my website: https://rasamalaysia.com/recipe-index-gallery/
Shawna Zuniga
Super delicious. I added some jalapeño’s before putting the chicken in the oven and it gives it an awesome spicy flavor.
Anna
I made this on boneless skinless chicken thigh and it was really yummy. Thanks for this recipe!
Rasa Malaysia
Thanks Anna for trying my cilantro lime chicken recipe.
Deb
We went with no skin too and did 2-3 minutes under the broiler at the end. Served it with Hong Kong style noodles with broccoli and kale — so delicious and we are looking forward to the leftovers!
Rasa Malaysia
Thanks for trying my cilantro lime chicken recipe.
Sue F
This recipe was fantastic! We’ve recently traveled to Vietnam and Laos. This dish reminded us of our trip and the fabulous cuisine. I wonder if you could suggest side dishes to compliment the Cilantro Lime Chicken and round out the meal?
Michele G
Thank you for another delicious recipe! Quick question, could I put everything in a ziplock bag and freeze to use another time?
Rasa Malaysia
Yes you can for another time.
Kimberly
Thank you for this recipe. It was easy, quick and really good. I am happy to add this to the rotation. The only thing I did different was add a little seasoning to my chicken as I always do in recipes, even if it doesn’t call for it. I severed it with cilantro lime rice, black beans, flour tortillas and salsa. The next time I think I’ll add more pepper flakes and tiny more lime juice. I can’t wait to make it again!
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Kimberly, thanks for trying my cilantro lime chicken recipe.
Lindsay
This marinade was perfection. I used boneless skinless thighs, grilled. I served it on corn tortillas with a fresh mango pineapple salsa and avocado crema. Amazing!!
Rasa Malaysia
Yummy, sounds like a wonderful idea. :)
TK
I just made this tonight (actually eating it now) and it is DIVINE! The flavors are perfect! I am used to a lot more seasonings (combined) and was pleasantly surprised how flavorful this is. I am on a VERY strict diet so I am very limited. There is only so much you can do with chicken breast before you’re sick of it! LOL This will definitely be added in my rotation. I am glad I made extras. I cannot have oil, so I did not use oil in my recipe. I also used chicken breast strips…they did not brown in the pan very well (as expected), however, they sizzled and browned in the oven. So, they came out great. Because the portion of meat is so small, after pan frying, I placed them in the oven for 10 minutes then flipped them and cooked for an additional 7 minutes. I probably could lower this (5-7 min each side) to make them even more moist. Nonetheless…this is a great recipe!
Rasa Malaysia
Hi TK, thanks so much for trying my cilantro lime chicken recipe, and I am so glad that you loved it. :)
Gabriela
Hi! I know maybe this is a stupid question but do you add salt to the chicken at some point?
Rasa Malaysia
Salt is in the marinade.
Becca
So do you cook the marinade in the same skillet as the chicken when you bake it on the oven? The directions are a little confusing to me….
Rasa Malaysia
Yes, you transfer the whole skillet into the oven. After it’s done, scoop the marinade residual in the skillet on top of the chicken. They are the best.
Becca
Ok thanks, excited to try it!!
Alan
Maybe I missed this, but what temperature do you set the oven?
Rasa Malaysia
Preheat oven to 375F.
Karen Riccio
This was great. I pretty much followed recipe as remembered after I read it. Did salt and pepper thighs before marinating for two hours. Pulled out of fridge an hour before cooking. Served with Rasa garlic noodles, and kimchi purchased from local Asian grocery. Will make again.
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Karen, thanks for trying my cilantro lime chicken.
Naomi
Can you just bake it without pan frying?? I don’t have the right skillet to transfer ?I want to make this tonight if possible sounds sooooo delish?
Rasa Malaysia
Yes you can just bake right away. Pan-fry make the skin and meat part crispy.
Justine
Looks nice this receip :-)
How many degrees in the ovn?
Tambra
Made this last Friday night and it was AMAZING! Great flavor combinations!
Rasa Malaysia
Thanks for trying my cilantro lime chicken recipe.
Anna
It looks just yummy! I feel water in my mouth. It’s really a delicious recipe. Can I use honey in this recipe?
Thanks Rasa for giving us such type of recipe.
Rasa Malaysia
Yes you can add some honey. It will be even better.
emily
Tried this for a quick and healthy dinner today! Delicious – I used boneless skinless chicken breasts. I did also season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and rosemary prior to putting it in the marinade. I let it marinate for 1 hour then sautéed on the stove before popping in the oven for the 20 mins at 375 – it cooked perfectly. I also charred a jalapeño pepper and mixed that in after I took it out of the oven. Served over white rice and topped with avocado. Great recipe thank you for sharing it with us!
Jorelyn Gansit
Just made this recipe! It turned out very yummy! I was looking for a recipe that wasn’t too harsh on my cholesterol. Instead of pan frying it for a bit, I just threw it in the oven and turned out fine. Thank you for the recipe (:
Rasa Malaysia
Thanks for trying my cilantro lime chicken recipe.
Lourdes
Hello, can i subsstitue with bone in chicken thighs? How many chicken thighs did you use for this recepie, I would need to make about 18 chicken thighs with this recepie. Thank you!
Rasa Malaysia
Yes, you can use bone-in. I think 4 thighs.
Laura
This recipe looks so yummy I just had to make it. The chicken is in the fridge marinating as I type this. I can’t wait to try it! My husband is not a big fan of lime but as delicious as this looks, I bet he will be after eating this!
Rasa Malaysia
Let me know how it goes.
Laura
He loved it and asked that I make it again. Thank you for a great recipe!
Jane
Looks yummy! We like skinless + no bones, should I still pan fry the chickens before I bake? Thank u!
Rasa Malaysia
You can, but you don’t have to. Pan-frying will make it even better though.
Gwen
I love lime and cilantro together! I fixed this and made some a pico de Gallo salad with it! Everyone loved it! Thanks so much!
Rasa Malaysia
Thanks for trying my recipe.
George
Hi..
Had a great family lunch with the Cilantro lime chicken. Easy to get ingredients, easy marination, and fast cooking. Came out perfect. I topped my chicken breasts with mozzarella cheese and had a side of family fresh green salad. Yummy.
Thanks.
Rasa Malaysia
Yummy, mozzarella cheese sounds like a great idea!! Thanks for trying my cilantro lime chicken.
Kathleen
I made this chicken tonight and it was the BEST I have ever made! My husband doesn’t like too much hot so he used the lime juice liberally! Wow! He said its his new favorite! Thanks so much for the recipe! I plan to make it often and for family get togethers! Delish!
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Kathleen, thanks so much for your sweet comment and I am so happy that you and your husband enjoyed my cilantro lime chicken recipe. Do try out more chicken recipes from me, they are all very delicious and easy: https://rasamalaysia.com/tag/chicken/
Ahs
Idk what I did wrong but I was highly disappointed, I’ll try it with shrimp next time
Rasa Malaysia
Ahs, I am sorry to hear that, many people tried with great success. Shrimp might be good for you. :)
erica
This looks delicious and I’ve got it marinating right now. I have a question though… As I am having a hard time letting summer go, I’d like to grill these babies up instead of putting the oven on. Should they be pan fried before grilling or do you feel that step can be skipped and they can go right on a preheated grill? I’d love feedback if anyone has tried grilling them in the past. Thanks!!!!
Rasa Malaysia
Just grill them right away. I think they will be awesome! Or a better tip, if you have a cast-iron grill pan, put them on the grill plan and put the pan on the BBQ. Then when they are almost cooked, grill on direct fire. :)
Christina
I always grill them and it’s the best! I grill almost everything no matter the weather!
This is the best chicken recipe ever and so many possibilities..
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Christina, awwww, your comment just made my day. Yes grilling makes everything better. Thanks for trying my cilantro lime chicken recipe.
STWN
Just tried this recipe….. great flavors, delicious! I used chicken tenderloins.
Thank you!
Rasa Malaysia
Thanks for trying my cilantro lime chicken recipe! :)
Christina
This is my favorite recipe on Pinterest! My question is.. Can you make it ahead of time? Put everything together and freeze it to cook another time? I saw in another post you said the lime would start to cook it, but if you put everything together and throw it in the freezer?? Is it ok..
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Christina, yes the lime will “cook” the chicken. But you can make a big batch, cook the chicken and freeze them and reheat when you want to eat. :)
Maria garza
Can yu just cook all of it on the stove I don’t have a oven at the moment just a stove top ,
Rasa Malaysia
Yes you can just pan-fry on the stove top. :)
Jams
I love this recipe….and, moreover, my husband LOVES it, too.
thank you so much, it’s really delicious!
Rasa Malaysia
Thanks Jams for trying my cilantro lime chicken recipe! :)
Josie
This was delicious! I added chili powder and it was yummy to my tummy. I made a vinaigrette of olive oil and cilantro and lime juice and drizzled it over the cooked chicken with a side of garlic mashed potatoes.
Rasa Malaysia
Great idea, I will have to try!
Dorian
Hey, any idea the nutrition facts for this? I am trying the keto diet and would love to eat this!
Rasa Malaysia
It’s here: https://rasamalaysia.com/cilantro-lime-chicken/2/
Traci
I have read all of the comments, I am marinating as we type. Please advise: Does the chicken brown in the skillet with the marinade? If not, do you add it in the skillet before placing in the oven? I dont want to mess this up, my husband is looking forward to it.
Rasa Malaysia
Yes, the chicken will brown a little on the skillet but won’t cook completely. So finish in the oven to cook through.
Missy
Would this be good with a mango pineapple salsa poured over it??
Rasa Malaysia
I think that’s a very good idea! :)
Totsy Good
I have cilantro chicken breast lemon and cucumber I have powdered onion and garlic what should I do…. My family and I are trying to eat healthier and were not the best at it.. Any suggestions?
Kathy
I made this for supper and it was fabulous I will definitely make this again
Rasa Malaysia
Thanks Kathy, I am happy that you liked my cilantro lime chicken recipe. :)
Deepika
I made this yesterday for lunch for a few friends and they all LOVED IT, and so did I!! I used skinless chicken breasts so didn’t pan fry it, I directly popped it in the oven for 20 min at 375 F and then broiled it for a couple of minutes. Served it with quinoa and baked Asparagus. It was sooooooooo tasty! I again made it for dinner for my husband and he loved it, too!
Thank you so much for the absolutely healthy and delicious recipe!
*I just used 1&half tbsp of olive oil. It still was yummy!
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Deepika, I am so happy that you liked my cilantro lime chicken. Do try out more recipes from me.
Cheryl
I love this recipe! I’m making it today for my mother and she can’t have the red pepper flakes, will not adding it ruin the dish?
Rasa Malaysia
It’s fine but it will be plain.
Molly
Okay are you supposed to add the marinade to the pan before you pan fry, or before you put it in the oven??
Cody Spanner
My question as well ?
Patty
I’m confused about marinade. Do I add all the marinade to the skillet with the chicken?
Rasa Malaysia
Yes, you do.
Adam Gibson
Made this last night according to the recipe, except I used bone-in thighs. What a delight! Easy and delish. Accompanied with the Skillet Chili Lime Corn recipe. What a great evening paired with a crisp rosé.
Karen
I have made this numerous times and my whole family loves it! I have tried both skinless thighs and breasts, but the thighs turn out better, in my opinion. We grill it and serve it in tacos with rice, beans, charred corn, and other taco fixings, but it’s almost better just on its own. I made it for a group and got rave reviews from all. It’s now one of my go to recipes! Thanks!
Veronica Howard
I tried this in my air fryer tonight! It was amazing and My 10 yr old loved it!
Tiffany
Are there any side dishes that some one whos made this could recommend to go with it? Really want to try…
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Tiffany, you can make all sorts of side dishes to go with it. Check them out: https://rasamalaysia.com/tag/side-dish/
Cindy
Amazing and everyone loved it. I added honey to tame the heat and added a jalapeno. We grilled them. Used thighs and grilled them.
Rasa Malaysia
Awesome, sounds amazing!
Kim
I have been making this recipe for the last few years and it is always a hit. I use skinless chicken breast, since that is what I buy. I use korean red pepper and marinate for at least 2 hours. Going to go marinate some shortly for tonights dinner…however just realized I am out of olive oil ?. Will make do with what I have. Also using cilantro from my mom’s garden. Going to be delicious!
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Kim – thanks for your sweet comment. I am so happy that my cilantro lime chicken is your favorite. :)
Vanessa G.
Love this recipe! We make it once a week!
Ruth
This has become one of my children and my favorite recipes. I changed it slightly. I cut skinless chicken breast into cubes, marinate it and then cook it in a fry it in a fry pan. Delicious in a burito, over rice or in a salad!!!
Ruth
This has become one of my children and my favorite recipes!! I change it slightly by using boneless skinless chicken breast and cubing it. I then marinade it and simply pan fry it until golden brown and cooked through. It is great in a burito, over rice and in a salad! I actually keep some in the freezer in marinade to pull out in the morning and cook when I get home from work. ?
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Ruth, happy to know that you you and your children love my Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe!! :)
Jeanette
Made this for the first time last night for dinner it’s now the hubby n kids fav!!!! Delicious ?!! Thank you for sharing!
Mirel
My mom made this chicken today and I loved it because it was so yummy and tasty! Hope she makes it again soon. Thank you mom
(My son wanted to post a comment cause he liked it so much! Also, my mom and mother in law stayed for dinner and they both asked me for the recipe. Definitely a keeper. Super easy and delicious!!!
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Mirel, awww thanks for the comment. I am so glad that everyone love my cilantro lime recipe. Make sure you ask them to sign up my email newsletter so they get recipes in mail.
Kristine
What would you recommend for a side dish to serve with this yummy recipe?
Rasa Malaysia
Here are all my side dishes: https://rasamalaysia.com/tag/side-dish. All of them are good. Many love this Brown Butter Garlic Honey carrots recipe: https://rasamalaysia.com/brown-butter-garlic-honey-roasted-carrots/. :)
Linda @ OnlyEatClean.com
I followed a link from a list of clean eating recipes on another website and found this recipe. It is *almost* ideal for anyone following a clean eating program, though some would argue the skin should be removed if eating clean (yet that could be debated), and doing that would definitely produce a different result, so I would be reluctant to remove it. Apart from that, just swap the salt out for sea salt or Himalayan salt, and you’ve got a yummy, “clean” recipe. I shall be trying shortly! Thanks – many of your other recipes look delightful as well :)
Cara Manual
It looks so delicious, I’d love to taste it.
What if using other than chicken meat? such as goat / cow / or fish. Would it be different.
Rasa Malaysia
I am sure it will taste good. :)
Ellen Scott
I tried marinate chicken for half of hour and chicken’s flavor is really great!
Carolyn
I made this last night for dinner, and it is for sure a keeper. We (3 adults) all loved it!
I started by making the marinade in the food chopper. I grilled the bone-in thighs on the barbeque, just to get the skin crispy and get the cooking underway. I transferred everything to a baking dish and baked them for 45 minutes.
I served it with brown rice (ooh, that yummy sauce from the chicken woke it right up!), steamed zucchini, and sliced tomato.
I will be making this again really soon, thanks so much!
Jim
I was directed to this recipe from a list of “25 Best Recipes to Make in an Air Fryer” but find no directions for air frying. Any ideas?
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Jim – that’s strange as this recipe doesn’t require air frying at all!
Tim S
Recipe may have been here a little while, but wanted to comment on it because it’s so dang good. I set up the marinade per the recipe and let it marinate an hour. I then sous vide it at 145 for 2 hrs, letting it cook in all those delicious juices, and drop it on a searing hot cast iron skillet to brown.
I can eat it just like this, but the flavor of this chicken is perfect for fajitas.
Stacey
Hi! Could you cook this in the slow cooker?
Maria
Made this last night using skinless chicken breast and cooked on the grill. Spectacular! Moist, flavorful, just the right amount of heat from the chili flakes.
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Maria, thanks for trying my cilantro lime chicken.