If you’re on the hunt for a zesty, quick, and absolutely crave-worthy chicken dinner, you’re going to want to try this Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how the bright lime and fresh cilantro come together with smoky spices, and you’ll find that it’s perfect grilled to juicy perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a tasty meal prep option, this recipe is a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright, Fresh Flavors: The combination of lime and cilantro gives the chicken a refreshing, vibrant taste that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these spices and fresh herbs in your kitchen, making this an easy grab-and-go meal.
- Versatile and Easy to Customize: Great for tacos, salads, bowls, or just on its own – you can switch it up however you like.
- Fast Marinating Time: Even just a couple hours in the fridge makes a huge difference, so you can whip this up midweek without much hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe plays a key role in developing that signature tangy, savory flavor that’s downright addictive. I always reach for fresh cilantro when I can — it lifts the whole dish and smells amazing on the grill!
- Fresh cilantro: Use fresh for the best, brightest herbal notes – dried just won’t compare here.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Gives the marinade richness and helps keep the chicken juicy while it cooks.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice: The acid in fresh lime juice tenderizes the chicken and adds zesty brightness you can’t fake.
- Taco seasoning: Adds depth with cumin, chili powder, and savory spices – you can use store-bought or make your own.
- Ground cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness, complementing the citrus beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I recommend thighs because they stay juicy on the grill, but you can use breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
Variations
I love that this Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe is so easy to tailor to your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment — it’s seriously forgiving and versatile.
- Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the marinade for an extra smoky, spicy kick that my family can’t get enough of.
- Make it dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so it’s perfect for almost any diet without swaps.
- Swap the protein: I’ve also used the marinade on shrimp or even thick fish fillets like mahi-mahi with great results.
- Make it paleo or keto-friendly: It’s already low-carb and full of healthy fats, so it’s a natural fit for those eating paleo or keto.
How to Make Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Marinade
Start by mixing the fresh cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, taco seasoning, and cumin in a medium bowl. I like to whisk everything until it’s well combined because that helps the flavors blend beautifully. If you feel like it needs a little something extra, just add a pinch of salt – I always taste before seasoning.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken thighs in a large bowl or a gallon-sized Ziploc bag and pour the marinade over. Seal it up and give it a gentle massage to coat the chicken evenly with all those delicious flavors. Marinate in the fridge for at least two hours, though overnight really amps up the taste. I discovered this trick after rushing with just 30 minutes and missing out on the full flavor.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, lay down the chicken thighs and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side. I always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness — aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure juicy, safe-to-eat chicken. Don’t rush turning the chicken; letting it sit helps those beautiful grill marks form.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once off the grill, let your chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in those juices. Then slice it up and serve warm. This chicken is fantastic on tacos, tossed into bowls, or just served alongside veggies for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
- Marinate Overnight: I used to skip this step, but marinating overnight makes the chicken incredibly tender and amplifies those lime and spice flavors.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the easiest way to avoid overcooking and keeps your chicken juicy every time.
- Fresh Cilantro is Key: I learned that dried cilantro just doesn’t deliver the same punch, so always opt for fresh when possible.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the chicken rest before cutting helps keep all the juices inside, making each bite flavorful and moist.
How to Serve Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my grilled cilantro lime chicken with extra chopped cilantro and a few lime wedges on the side to brighten things up even more. Sometimes I add a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or avocado slices to balance the zesty flavors — my family loves the creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are Mexican street corn salad, cilantro lime rice, or a fresh avocado and tomato salsa. These pair perfectly with the smoky grilled chicken and round out the meal without overshadowing those bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special dinners, I’ve served this chicken sliced over tortilla chips for a fun chicken nacho platter, or stuffed into warm corn tortillas as street-style tacos with pickled onions. It’s so versatile — you can get really creative with toppings and presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better after sitting overnight, which makes it great for quick lunches or adding to salads during the week.
Freezing
If I’m making a big batch, I’ll freeze the cooked chicken in portioned containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out, I cover the chicken with foil and warm it gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. You can also slice it up and reheat quickly in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier on the grill, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work fine too. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily. Adjust grill time to about 3-4 minutes per side and always check with a thermometer.
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How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but I recommend overnight if you have the time. This helps all those cilantro, lime, and spice flavors soak into the meat deeply, making for a more tender and flavorful dish.
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Can I make this Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe indoors without a grill?
You sure can! If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan on your stove over medium-high heat, or broil the chicken in your oven. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, and try to get some nice char marks for that grilled flavor.
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Is this recipe spicy?
This Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe has a mild spice level from the taco seasoning and cumin, but it’s not overly spicy. You can always boost the heat by adding cayenne powder or chili flakes if you prefer more kick.
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How should I store leftovers for best quality?
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in sealed bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating to maintain moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe has become one of my family’s absolute favorites, and I’m excited for you to try it too. The balance of fresh lime, aromatic cilantro, and smoky spices is just irresistible. Plus, it’s simple to make and fits beautifully into busy weeknights or weekend cookouts. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see why I keep coming back to this recipe — I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your go-to meals as well!
Print
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken features juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of fresh cilantro, lime juice, and aromatic spices. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, this flavorful dish makes a quick and delicious weeknight dinner or an excellent protein option for tacos and bowls.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt, to taste (optional)
Main Ingredient
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lime juice, taco seasoning, ground cumin, and salt if desired. Ensure all ingredients are well combined to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Pour the cilantro lime marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate, or overnight for optimal taste.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature, preparing it for cooking the marinated chicken thighs evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through with nice grill marks.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm, ideal for tacos, rice bowls, or as a standalone protein.
Notes
- This recipe delivers a bright, fresh flavor with the combination of zesty lime and aromatic cilantro that complements the smoky char from the grill.
- Marinating overnight enhances the tenderness and flavor infusion in the chicken thighs.
- Pair this chicken with rice, salad, or tortillas to create a complete meal.
- Adjust the seasoning and lime juice to suit your personal taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 203 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.03 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 144 mg
