How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate your cilantro lime chicken for at least 30 minutes, though 4–6 hours is ideal. Avoid marinating for over 24 hours, as the acidity from the citrus juice can break down the chicken too much and cause it to become mushy.

Can I bake or pan-fry instead of grilling?

Absolutely. While grilling adds a smoky depth, you can bake the chicken at 425°F for about 18 minutes or pan-fry it over medium-high heat for 4–6 minutes per side. Be sure to use a thermometer and cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! Cilantro lime chicken stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for prepping ahead for bowls, tacos, or salads. Store the mango avocado salsa separately and consume it within one day for best freshness.

Cilantro Lime Chicken – Best Grilled Recipe

Name: Cilantro Lime Chicken
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: base protein, holds marinade well; 3 oranges, juiced and zested: adds sweetness and acidity to tenderize and flavor; 3 limes, juiced and zested: bright citrus flavor that balances richness; 1/2 cup olive oil: adds moisture and richness; 1 tablespoon honey: balances acidity with subtle sweetness; 1 teaspoon ground cumin: adds warmth and earthy depth; 2.5 tablespoons soy sauce: enhances umami and saltiness; 2 teaspoons minced garlic: aromatic base for the marinade; 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro: fresh herbal flavor; 1 teaspoon salt: seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon pepper: adds mild heat and depth; 1 batch mango avocado salsa (optional): for serving; Cilantro-lime or coconut-lime rice (optional): for serving

Description

This Cilantro Lime Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Marinated in a zesty blend of citrus, honey, garlic, and fresh cilantro, it’s perfect for grilling or baking. Serve with mango avocado salsa and cilantro-lime rice for a complete, vibrant meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: base protein, holds marinade well
3 oranges, juiced and zested: adds sweetness and acidity to tenderize and flavor
3 limes, juiced and zested: bright citrus flavor that balances richness
1/2 cup olive oil: adds moisture and richness
1 tablespoon honey: balances acidity with subtle sweetness
1 teaspoon ground cumin: adds warmth and earthy depth
2.5 tablespoons soy sauce: enhances umami and saltiness
2 teaspoons minced garlic: aromatic base for the marinade
1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro: fresh herbal flavor
1 teaspoon salt: seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper: adds mild heat and depth
1 batch mango avocado salsa (optional): for serving
Cilantro-lime or coconut-lime rice (optional): for serving

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Instructions

Zest and juice the oranges and limes to get 3/4 cup orange juice, 1/3 cup lime juice, and 1 teaspoon zest from each.
In a medium bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients: citrus juices and zests, olive oil, honey, cumin, soy sauce, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade for basting later.
Trim fat from the chicken and pound to even thickness or slice in half.
Place chicken in a large resealable bag and pour in remaining marinade. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 6 hours), flipping halfway through.
Preheat grill to 450°F and oil the grates.
Grill chicken for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with reserved marinade as it cooks.
Use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove chicken and let rest for 5–10 minutes, tented with foil.
Serve with mango avocado salsa and rice, if desired.

Notes

Marinate for 4–6 hours for optimal flavor, but not more than 24 hours.
Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain its juices.
Mango avocado salsa adds a fresh and sweet contrast to the zesty chicken.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 430 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 557 mg
Fat: 29 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 27 g
Cholesterol: 73 mg