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Cilantro Lime Chicken

Cilantro Lime Chicken
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This Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is a vibrant, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish featuring zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and tender, perfectly seasoned chicken. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests with bold, bright flavors and healthy ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 small jalapeño, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a vibrant marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor and tenderness.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of olive oil. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked with a golden crust. Alternatively, you can grill or bake the chicken as desired.
  4. Rest and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then garnish with extra chopped cilantro and lime wedges before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Do not overcook; cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for juiciness.
  • Marinating for at least 20 minutes enhances flavor significantly.
  • Brush leftover marinade on chicken while cooking for extra moisture and taste.
  • Chop cilantro finely for even herb distribution.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, healthy chicken, gluten free chicken, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/cilantro-lime-chicken/