Juicy Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken: Your Ultimate Easy & Flavorful Recipe

Looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful chicken recipe that’s perfect for any occasion? Our Cilantro Lime Chicken is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering a burst of fresh, zesty taste with minimal effort. This versatile dish is one of our all-time favorite grilling recipes, making it a staple for summer barbecues. But don’t let the cooler months deter you – it cooks up just as beautifully in a skillet, ensuring you can enjoy this deliciousness year-round.

grilled chicken breasts on a wood cutting board

Why This Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try

What makes this Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken so incredibly popular? It boils down to a few key factors that make it a winner in any kitchen:

Effortless Simplicity: This recipe calls for just 5 core ingredients, most of which are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. With limes and garlic often on hand, you’ll usually only need to pick up some fresh cilantro. This means less shopping, less prep, and more time to enjoy your meal.
Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The magic lies in the vibrant combination of fresh lime juice and zest, pungent garlic, and herbaceous cilantro. This creates a marinade that infuses the chicken with a bright, tangy, and aromatic flavor that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. It’s a taste that transports you straight to a sunny summer day.
Incredible Versatility: This chicken isn’t just for dinner plates. Its robust flavor makes it incredibly adaptable. Slice it up for zesty chicken tacos, chop it for a vibrant salad, tuck it into a homemade hamburger bun for a unique sandwich, or serve it alongside your favorite grilled vegetables. It’s perfect for meal prep, too!
Healthy & Wholesome: Made with lean boneless, skinless chicken breasts, this recipe is naturally low in fat and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a healthy lifestyle. The fresh ingredients add a nutritional boost without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect for Any Season: While “grilled” is in the name, this recipe shines whether cooked on an outdoor grill during the peak of summer or seared in a hot skillet on your stovetop when the weather cools down. It’s a truly flexible dish that fits seamlessly into your cooking routine all year.

cilantro lime grilled chicken breasts on a white plate

The Essential Ingredients for Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken

Creating this irresistible chicken dish starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Chicken: We typically use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they cook quickly and absorb the marinade beautifully. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work wonderfully and often yield a slightly juicier result. If using thicker breasts, consider lightly pounding them to an even thickness (about ¾ inch) to ensure consistent cooking.
Olive Oil: This forms the base of our vibrant marinade. A good quality extra virgin olive oil not only helps to tenderize the chicken but also acts as a carrier for all the delicious flavors, ensuring they adhere well to the meat.
Lime Juice & Zest: The star of the show! Freshly squeezed lime juice provides that essential tang and brightness. Don’t skip the zest – it contains aromatic oils that intensify the citrus flavor much more than juice alone. Always zest your lime before juicing it for ease.
Garlic: Fresh garlic, finely minced, is crucial for building a deep, aromatic foundation for the marinade. While garlic powder can work in a pinch, fresh garlic offers a superior depth of flavor that is truly unmatched.
Fresh Cilantro: This herb is non-negotiable for “cilantro lime” chicken! Its distinctive, fresh, slightly peppery flavor pairs perfectly with the lime and garlic. Make sure your cilantro is fresh and vibrant green; avoid any wilted or yellowed leaves. Roughly chop it so its flavor can be easily incorporated into the marinade.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings are all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and the marinade. Adjust to your taste, but don’t be shy – proper seasoning is key to a truly delicious dish.

labeled ingredient photo for cilantro lime chicken — Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. Please scroll down to simply print out the recipe!

Prepare the Chicken: Carefully poke several holes in each boneless, skinless chicken breast with the tip of a sharp knife. These small perforations will allow the flavorful marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste. Place the prepared chicken breasts in a glass casserole dish or a resealable plastic bag.

woman poking chicken breasts with a knife

Whisk the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, bright lime zest, salt, freshly ground black pepper, finely minced garlic, and chopped fresh cilantro. Whisk all these ingredients together until they are well combined, creating a fragrant and inviting marinade.

Marinate the Chicken: Pour the freshly prepared cilantro lime marinade over the chicken breasts in the casserole dish or bag. Turn the chicken several times to ensure each breast is thoroughly coated with the marinade. This step is crucial for infusing maximum flavor.

woman pouring marinade over chicken in a glass dish

Chill and Marinate: Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate the chicken for approximately 2 to 4 hours. This marinating time allows the flavors to meld and tenderize the chicken. For optimal results, avoid marinating for much longer than 4 hours, especially with acidic marinades like this, as the acid can start to break down the chicken’s proteins too much, leading to a mushy texture.

Grill to Perfection: Approximately 20 minutes before you plan to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator to allow it to come closer to room temperature for more even cooking. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Grill for several minutes per side, just long enough to achieve beautiful, dark grill marks. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the grill, and continue cooking, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Rest and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for at least ten minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much juicier and more tender chicken. Serve your delicious Cilantro Lime Chicken with fantastic sides like Grilled Corn on the Cob, rice, or a fresh salad.

Expert Tips & Frequently Asked Questions for Perfect Cilantro Lime Chicken

Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful cilantro lime chicken every time is easy with a few simple tricks. Here are our expert tips and answers to common questions:

Always Dry the Chicken Before Cooking: This is a crucial step for achieving a beautiful sear and preventing scorching. Before placing your marinated chicken on the grill or in a skillet, remove it from the marinade, let any excess liquid drip off, and then pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear, hindering those delicious grill marks and a crispy exterior.
Skillet Cooking (No Grill? No Problem!): If grilling isn’t an option, this recipe transitions beautifully to the stovetop. Follow all the marinating instructions. When ready to cook, add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan. Heat it over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Then, reduce the heat to low, partially cover the skillet, and allow the chicken to cook through, turning occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Optimal Marinating Time: While a minimum of 2 hours is recommended for flavor penetration, aim for 2-4 hours for the best results. You can marinate for up to 6 hours, but going much longer, especially with acidic marinades like this, can start to break down the chicken fibers too much, potentially leading to a slightly mushy texture.
Pound for Even Cooking: Chicken breasts can vary in thickness. For uniform cooking and tender results, consider placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pounding them to an even ¾-inch thickness. This ensures all parts of the chicken cook at the same rate, preventing dry edges or undercooked centers.
Don’t Forget the Zest! While lime juice provides acidity, lime zest holds concentrated aromatic oils that deliver a more intense and complex lime flavor. Always zest your lime before juicing it, as it’s much easier to do when the fruit is whole.
Food Safety First: Always use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Customize Your Marinade: Feel free to experiment! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, a teaspoon of honey or a touch of brown sugar for a hint of sweetness and better caramelization, or a dash of cumin for an earthy depth.
Serving Suggestions Beyond the Obvious: Beyond corn on the cob, consider pairing your Cilantro Lime Chicken with fluffy rice (cilantro lime rice, perhaps?), quinoa, roasted vegetables, a vibrant avocado salsa, or a simple side salad. It’s also fantastic shredded for nachos or quesadillas.
Storage and Leftovers: Cooked cilantro lime chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s excellent for meal prepping and can be reheated gently or enjoyed cold in salads.
Can I Freeze Marinated Chicken? Yes! Marinated chicken can be frozen uncooked in its marinade for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This is a great way to prep meals in advance.

This Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken is a recipe we come back to again and again throughout the summer, and frankly, all year long – it’s just that good! The bright, fresh flavors are always a hit, and its simplicity makes it a lifesaver on busy weeknights.

Elevate Your Grill Game with More Delicious Recipes

Ready to fire up the grill for more fantastic meals? Before you begin, always ensure your equipment is in top shape; be sure to properly clean your gas grill for the best results. Then, explore some of our other favorite grilling recipes:

Grilled Shrimp
Grilled Salmon
Grilled Chicken in Garlic Marinade
Grilled Pork Chops in Lemon Herb Marinade
Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers
Cedar Plank Salmon

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cilantro lime chicken on a cutting board

Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

This incredibly easy and affordable recipe requires only 5 fresh ingredients! You likely have limes and garlic in your fridge, so just pick up some fresh cilantro for a truly delicious and versatile meal.

5 from 3 votes

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

2 hours 25 minutes

Calories: 254

Author: Amanda Davis

Ingredients

▢ 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
▢ ¼ cup olive oil
▢ 2 tablespoons lime juice from one lime
▢ 1 teaspoon lime zest from one lime
▢ ½ teaspoon salt
▢ ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
▢ 3 cloves garlic finely minced
▢ ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Things You’ll Need

▢
2-quart casserole dish or large resealable bag
▢
Mixing bowls
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Meat thermometer
▢
Measuring cups and spoons

Before You Begin

Dry off the marinated meat thoroughly before you put it onto the grill or into a skillet. Remove the meat from the marinade, let it drip, then place on paper towels and pat dry. Placing meat with wet marinade on it directly onto the grill can cause scorching, burning, and prevent a good sear.
To cook in the skillet instead of on the grill, follow all the instructions for preparing and marinating the chicken. When it’s time to cook, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet and let it get hot (but not smoking) over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side. Then, reduce heat to low and partially cover the skillet. Allow to cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Instructions

Poke several holes in the chicken breasts with the tip of a knife to help the marinade penetrate. Place chicken breasts in a glass casserole dish or a resealable bag.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, zest, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and chopped fresh cilantro.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to ensure each breast is fully coated.
Marinate the chicken, covered, in the refrigerator for about 2 to 4 hours. Remove chicken from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking.
For Grilling: Grill over medium heat for several minutes per side to get nice grill marks. Then, turn heat down to low, cover the grill, and continue cooking, turning occasionally, until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For Skillet Cooking: See “Before You Begin” notes for stovetop instructions.
Let the cooked chicken rest on a cutting board, tented loosely with aluminum foil, for ten minutes before slicing. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.

This post originally appeared here on May 14, 2012 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips to provide the most comprehensive guide to making delicious Cilantro Lime Chicken.