Description
Tender and flavorful cilantro lime chicken grilled to perfection with a zesty marinade of fresh cilantro, garlic, and lime juice. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or summer cookout, delivering juicy chicken breasts with a bright, citrusy kick.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (about 7-8 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 limes, juiced
- 1/2 tablespoon coarse salt
- Black pepper, to taste
For Grilling
- Olive oil or cooking oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, coarse salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended to create a vibrant, flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl or seal with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken deeply.
- Preheat the Grill: Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat each breast dry with paper towels to prevent flare-ups. Drizzle a small amount of oil onto the chicken to keep it from sticking to the grill. Preheat your grill to high heat in preparation for cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Turn only once to develop nice grill marks and ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to redistribute the juices. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes and garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer than 1 hour, up to 4 hours, will intensify the flavor without compromising texture.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste based on dietary preferences.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best citrus flavor; bottled lime juice will result in a less vibrant taste.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling keeps it juicy and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 7-8 ounces)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
