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Delicious Cilantro Lime Chicken is showcased in this enticing featured image.

Perfect Cilantro Lime Chicken

Achieve perfectly cooked, juicy cilantro lime chicken every time with this simple and flavorful recipe. The secret lies in a balanced marinade, precise cooking, and fresh cilantro added at the end.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • whisk
  • Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
  • Grill or skillet
  • Meat Thermometer
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
  4. Grill or Pan-Fry: Grill or pan-fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill or skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Slice the chicken and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

For best results, do not marinate the chicken for more than 4 hours. Adding fresh cilantro after cooking ensures a vibrant flavor. Letting the chicken rest is crucial for a juicy result. Chicken thighs can also be used as an alternative to chicken breasts.