Cilantro Lime Chicken

4.68 from 90 votes
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Discover the irresistible flavors of our juicy Mexican Cilantro Lime Chicken. With a tantalizing marinade of fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, and aromatic garlic, this easy recipe is perfect for pan-frying, baking, or grilling. Try it now!

Cilantro lime chicken topped with salsa and cilantro.
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The Best Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

Get ready for some seriously tasty chicken with a marinade that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance! Cilantro Lime Chicken is hands down one of my all-time favorite Mexican recipes, and guess what? I’ve got the ultimate recipe to share with you.

Trust me, this recipe is a breeze. All you need are a few basic ingredients: fragrant cilantro, zingy lime juice, garlic, and a sprinkle of chili flakes to really make those flavors pop. With just a little prep work, you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Now, when it comes to serving up this mouthwatering chicken, the options are endless. You could go classic with some Cilantro Lime Rice, or kick things up a notch with some Tequila Lime Shrimp. Feeling like something a bit different? Turn that chicken into a tasty taco salad. And if you want to keep it simple, just serve with sauteed asparagus or your favorite veggies to go alongside.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into this awesome recipe and get ready to impress your taste buds!

This was DELICIOUS!!! I’m always looking for yummy recipes without added sugar and this hit the spot!! The entire family enjoyed it. I paired it with your cilantro lime rice and the garlic spinach. Yes!!

– Crystal

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken with cilantro lime on a cutting board.

There are so many reasons to love this easy recipe, here are just a few reasons why you want to try it at home:

  • Preparation method: My recipe calls for a two-step process for the best, juiciest and most flavorful chicken ever. First, you pan sear the chicken thighs on a hot skillet, then finish it off by baking it.
  • Amazing flavor: Cilantro adds a bright herbal taste, while lime adds a tangy, citrusy kick. These two ingredients are perfect match made in Mexican food heaven!
  • Versatile techniques: You can pan sear, bake, grill, broil or slow cook the chicken, depending on seasons and your preference.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a standout option for any occasion, from family dinners to gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

Ingredients for cilantro lime chicken recipe.

This recipe calls for very simple every day ingredients, but yields moist and juicy chicken with bold and sharp flavors:

  • Chicken. I use tender and juicy chicken thighs for my recipe, but you can certainly use chicken breasts.

Cilantro Lime Chicken Marinade

The marinade ingredients fuse zesty lime and fresh cilantro flavors into the chicken, creating a vibrant and delicious dish.

  • Olive oil: The secret ingredient that keeps the chicken moist and juicy.
  • Cilantro stems and leaves: Cilantro stems are added to marinades because they’re flavorful like the leaves but are usually ignored. They give the marinade a strong cilantro taste, making sure the chicken gets all the yummy cilantro flavors.
  • Lime juice.
  • Mined garlic.
  • Red chili flakes. Add a spicy kick and depth of flavor to the chicken. They complement the tangy lime and fresh cilantro, providing a balance of heat and brightness to the marinade.
  • Salt.

Please refer to the recipe card at the end of this post for detailed information about each ingredient.


Variation In Cooking Techniques

There are many ways you can prepare this zesty and mouthwatering recipe in the home kitchen:

  • Grilling: Summertime calls for grilling, and this is my favorite way to cook. Simply marinate the chicken, then grill over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side. Flip the chicken a couple of times until it’s done. Grilling adds a smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks to the chicken. Yummy!
  • Pan-Searing: Marinate the chicken, then pan-sear in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-searing creates a flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
  • Baking: Marinate the chicken, then bake at 375°F (190°C) until cooked through, for about 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken meat.
  • Slow Cooking: If you’re busy, use a slow cooker. Just leave the chicken and its marinade in the slow cooker or crockpot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken reaches your desired texture. This method is especially useful for busy moms or working adults.

How To Make Cilantro Lime Chicken

Chicken thighs and marinade sauce in a large bowl.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk all the Marinade ingredients together in a large bowl, ensuring thorough mixing. Add the chicken to the Marinade, stirring to coat evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for 15 minutes, but for optimal flavor, marinate for 2 hours.

Marinated chicken thighs on a skillet skin-side down.

Step 2: Heat up a skillet and pan-fry the chicken with the skin-side down until it’s slightly browned. Then, turn it over and pan-fry the other side until it’s also slightly browned.

Marinate added on top of the chicken using a spoon.

Step 3: Spoon the remaining marinade on top of the chicken before baking. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes.

Cilantro lime chicken served on a platter garnished with cilantro.

Step 4: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter (discarding the oily dripping from the chicken). Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken, garnish with cilantro, and serve immediately.


Helpful Tips For Home Cooks

Grilled cilantro lime chicken served with lime wedges.

To make sure that you have the best results, follow the tips below:

  • Use chicken thighs, which are more tender, moist and juicy. Buy bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs and debone it. Click on this post to learn how to debone chicken thighs, with video guide.
  • You can use skinless and boneless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, if you like.
  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice if you can. You will love the fresh and citrusy aroma from the lime juice.
  • Use lots of cilantro stems and some cilantro leaves as there is a lot of flavors in the stems.
  • Pan-fry the chicken on a skillet first, to make sure that the skin is browned and crispy before baking the chicken in the oven. This extra step turns your cilantro lime chicken from good to exquisite.
  • After baking, spoon the marinade over the chicken to make it extra flavorful and moist.

So, there you have it, folks! If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that’ll leave everyone at the table begging for more, then this is exactly what you need. With its irresistible blend of zesty lime, aromatic cilantro, and juicy chicken, my recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to take your taste buds on a delicious journey they won’t soon forget!


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cilantro lime chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! It is a great dish to make ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken in the fridge for several hours or even overnight before cooking it.

Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 2 hours?

You can marinate the chicken for longer periods, but avoid marinating the chicken overnight because the acidity from the lime juice in the marinade may start to “cook” the surface of the chicken, resulting in a change in texture. Stick to a ideal marinating time of 2 hours for optimal results.

Is it necessary to discard the oily dripping before serving?

Yes, it’s recommended to discard the drippling before serving to avoid an oily texture in the final dish.

Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh cilantro?

While fresh cilantro provides the best flavor, you can substitute dried cilantro if fresh cilantro is unavailable. However, the flavor may not be as vibrant, so consider using slightly more dried cilantro to compensate.

How many calories per serving?

This baked cilantro lime chicken recipe is 631 calories per serving.

One piece of chicken thighs with cilantro and lime wedges.

What To Serve With This Recipe

Serve this dish as is or with rice and other side dishes. For a wholesome Mexican meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.

I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on FacebookPinterest, and Instagram for new updates.


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4.68 from 90 votes

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Discover the irresistible flavors of our juicy Mexican Cilantro Lime Chicken. With a tantalizing marinade of fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, and aromatic garlic, this easy recipe is perfect for pan-frying, baking, or grilling. Try it now!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 3 people
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Ingredients  

Marinade:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons cilantro stems and leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, or more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, whisk all the Marinade ingredients together until well combined. Add the chicken to the marinade, stirring to coat evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for 15 minutes; for optimal flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
  • Heat a skillet and pan-fry the chicken skin-side down until it is slightly browned. Then, turn it over and pan-fry the other side until it is also slightly browned.
  • Spoon the remaining marinade over the chicken before baking. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes.
  • Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, discarding the oily drippings. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken, garnish with cilantro, and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • Use an oven-safe skillet or pan to bake the chicken in the oven. Grilling is also an option for cooking the chicken.
  • Use chicken thighs, which are more tender, moist and juicy. Buy bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs and debone it. Click on this post to learn how to debone chicken thighs, with video guide.
  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice if you can. You will love the fresh and citrusy aroma from the lime juice.
  • Use lots of cilantro stems and some cilantro leaves as there is a lot of flavors in the stems.
  • Pan-fry the chicken on a skillet first, to make sure that the skin is browned and crispy before baking the chicken in the oven. This extra step turns your cilantro lime chicken from good to exquisite.
  • After baking, spoon the marinade over the chicken to make it extra flavorful and moist.

Nutrition

Serving: 3people, Calories: 631kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 37g, Fat: 52g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g, Monounsaturated Fat: 26g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 222mg, Sodium: 575mg, Potassium: 509mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 0.3g, Vitamin A: 416IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Please rate and comment below!

About Rasa Malaysia

Bee is a recipe developer and best-selling cookbook author, sharing easy, quick, and delicious Asian and American recipes since 2006. With a strong following of almost 2 million fans online, her expertise has been featured in major publications, TV and radio programs, and live cooking demos throughout the United States and Asia.

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Recipe Rating





187 Comments

  1. Adriana Salinas says:

    I am making this tonight? I can’t wait! What side or sides would you recommend?

  2. Sandra says:

    I’m allergic to cilantro. Could you recommend something to use instead?

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Perhaps you can use Italian parsley.

    2. Lea says:

      Are you allergic to Culantro also? Very similar flavor but Culantro is stronger

  3. Lori says:

    How long would you cook the boneless skinless chicken breast?

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      About the same time, or a couple of minutes longer.

      1. Elayne E Glasser says:

        5 stars
        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.

        1. Rasa Malaysia says:

          Yummy, sounds so good!

  4. NJ-Cook4You says:

    Need to make these immediately! My mouth is watering!

    Greets,

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      :)

  5. Mrs Suvi says:

    This looks absolutely fabulous. I will make it this week!

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Great, try it I am sure you will love this cilantro lime chicken.

  6. Randy R says:

    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.

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Hi Randy, thanks for letting me know. I meant the marinade residual (after baking) on the chicken…thanks for letting me know.

      1. Joan says:

        Its called drippings

      2. Sandy says:

        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?

        1. Rasa Malaysia says:

          It’s fine.

  7. Randy R says:

    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.

    1. Dee says:

      Youโ€™re right, any marinade from raw chicken needs to be cooked. Otherwise food poisoning big time! Food blogger basics surely.

      1. Rasa Malaysia says:

        Of course. That’s just common sense. No one would use the marinade (before cooking). I meant the dripping.

  8. Cecilia Floren says:

    I made this for dinner last night… it was delicious!
    Thank you for the recipe.

  9. HL says:

    Hi, your narration mentions use of garlic but garlic is missing from your recipe.

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Oops, thanks for pointing out. Updated.

  10. Tom ~ Raise Your Garden says:

    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!

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      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. ;)

      1. Madeline says:

        5 stars
        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!!

      2. ADAM says:

        5 stars
        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

    2. Ashley says:

      3 stars
      Can you make this with chicken drum sticks?

      1. Rasa Malaysia says:

        Yes you can.