Go Back
–+ servings
Square overhead shot of a plate of grilled chicken with cilantro lime chicken marinade.
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cilantro Lime Chicken Marinade

Cook this easy and flavorful cilantro lime chicken recipe on the grill or in the oven!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword cilantro lime chicken, cilantro lime chicken marinade, cilantro lime chicken recipe, cilantro lime marinade
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 277kcal
Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons lime zest
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup loosely packed fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  • In a large measuring cup or in a jar with a lid, whisk (or shake) together the lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, and red pepper flakes until completely combined.
    Process shot showing how to make cilantro lime chicken marinade.
  • Place the chicken and cilantro in a large Ziploc bag or bowl. Pour the marinade in the bag with the chicken and cilantro; toss gently to combine. Seal the top of the bag and place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours).
    Process shot showing how to marinate chicken in a cilantro lime marinade.
  • Remove the chicken from the bag or bowl and discard the marinade.
    Cilantro lime chicken on a tray before cooking.
  • Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Place the chicken directly on the grill grates and grill until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F, about 6-7 minutes per side for thighs or 10-12 minutes for larger, thicker boneless chicken breasts.

Notes

ALTERNATE OVEN METHOD:
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the chicken on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or in a greased baking dish. Bake until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F, about 20 minutes for thighs or 30-45 minutes for larger boneless chicken breasts. For a more charred exterior, place the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes at the end.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/6 of the chicken and marinade | Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 526mg | Potassium: 399mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 94IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg