Zippy Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Recipe for Outdoor Fun

When summer heat calls for a quick and vibrant chicken dish, this zesty cilantro lime grilled chicken delivers explosive flavor in every tender bite.

Fresh herbs and tangy citrus dance together, creating a marinade that infuses each piece of meat with bright, bold notes.

Succulent chicken breasts absorb the zesty cilantro lime marinade, promising a meal that’s both light and incredibly satisfying.

Grilling transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dinner you can easily prepare at home.

The combination of cilantro, lime, and perfectly charred chicken guarantees a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve alongside a crisp salad or warm tortillas to complete this mouthwatering summer feast.

Summer nights were made for this irresistible grilled chicken that brings serious flavor to your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and ensures even coating on chicken, choose extra virgin for richer taste.
• Lime Juice: Provides bright, tangy flavor while tenderizing meat, select fresh limes for maximum zestiness.
• Lime Zest: Adds intense citrus aroma and concentrated lime essence, use organic limes for best flavor.

• Cilantro, Garlic: Creates vibrant herbal and pungent base that elevates chicken's taste profile, select fresh herbs for maximum impact.
• Honey: Balances acidity and adds subtle sweetness, opt for local raw honey for deeper complexity.
• Cumin, Chili Powder: Delivers warm, smoky undertones with gentle heat, choose high-quality spices for robust flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that amplify overall taste, use sea salt and freshly ground pepper for best results.

Must-Have Tools For Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

• Mixing Bowl: Large enough to combine marinade ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade smoothly.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Accurate for measuring marinade ingredients.
• Grater/Zester: Perfect for zesting fresh lime.
• Tongs: Great for handling chicken on the grill.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing grilled chicken.
• Sharp Knife: For cleanly cutting chicken after grilling.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Primary cooking surface for chicken.
• Resealable Bag (optional): Alternative to mixing bowl for marinating.

Step-By-Step Magic For Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

• Craft Flavor Explosion

Blend a zesty marinade by mixing olive oil, lime juice and zest, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing container.

• Infuse the Protein

Immerse chicken thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 8 hours to maximize taste absorption.

• Fire Up the Grill

Heat grill to medium-high temperature. Transfer marinated chicken from liquid and place on hot grates. Cook 6-8 minutes per side, watching for golden brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Rest and Plate

Allow chicken to relax for 5 minutes after grilling. Slice against the grain and garnish with fresh lime wedges and sprinkled cilantro. Serve immediately to capture maximum flavor and juiciness.

Zesty Tricks For Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

• Marinating Magic: Let chicken soak in the marinade for a full 8 hours to maximize flavor penetration and tenderize the meat deeply.
• Grill Master Technique: Ensure grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful char marks on the chicken.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Skip the honey or replace with a sugar-free alternative like stevia to make this recipe suitable for keto and low-carb diets.
• Oven Backup Plan: If grilling isn't possible, bake the chicken in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
• Protein Swap: Easily transform this recipe by using the same marinade with shrimp, tofu, or pork for a delicious protein variation that keeps the meal exciting.

How To Serve Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Like A Pro

• Tropical Taco Night: Shred the grilled chicken and serve in warm tortillas with fresh salsa, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of extra cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired meal.
• Bright Summer Salad: Slice the chicken and toss over mixed greens with black beans, corn, and a light lime vinaigrette for a refreshing and protein-packed lunch option.
• Southwestern Rice Bowl: Chop the chicken and layer over cilantro-lime rice, topped with roasted peppers, sour cream, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a hearty and flavorful dinner.
• Picnic Perfect Wrap: Roll the sliced chicken in a large tortilla with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of cool ranch dressing for an easy portable meal that's great for outdoor dining.

Plan Ahead And Store Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Right

• Refrigerator Storage Solutions: Keep leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Package cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm chicken gently in microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Slice chicken in advance for quick salads, wraps, or grain bowls. Portion into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Store separate from wet ingredients to maintain crisp texture.

Zesty Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired cilantro lime grilled chicken delivers zesty summer flavors with tender, juicy meat marinated in fresh herbs and citrus. Herb-packed marinade and quick grilling technique guarantee maximum flavor for your weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) lime juice (fresh, about 2 limes)
• 2 tbsps lime zest
• ¼ cup cilantro (fresh, chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk lime juice, zest, cilantro, garlic, honey, cumin, chili powder, and seasoning into a harmonious, flavor-rich coating that will transform ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece.
2. Marinating Process: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the vibrant marinade, ensuring complete coverage, then refrigerate in a sealed container for 30 minutes to 8 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and intensify.
3. Grill Preparation: Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat, creating the perfect environment for achieving those coveted caramelized grill marks and smoky flavors.
4. Grilling Technique: Drain excess marinade from chicken and place pieces directly on hot grill grates, cooking methodically for 6-8 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and reaching a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Resting and Serving: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, then slice against the grain and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a final burst of bright, zesty flavor.

Notes

• Marinate Maximizer: Let chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but overnight refrigeration intensifies flavor complexity and tenderizes meat more effectively.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness while ensuring food safety without overcooking.
• Grill Master Technique: Pat chicken dry before grilling to achieve perfect caramelization and beautiful char marks, which enhance overall flavor profile and visual appeal.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap honey with agave nectar for vegan versions or use coconut aminos instead of salt to create low-sodium and gluten-free adaptations of this vibrant recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg