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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Grill Preparation: Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat, creating the perfect environment for achieving those coveted caramelized grill marks and smoky flavors.
- 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.
- 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