Description
Cilantro Lime Chicken is a fresh and flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, fresh cilantro, garlic, and seasoning. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal that bursts with tangy and herbaceous flavors.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Marinade
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 limes, juiced
- 1/2 tablespoon coarse salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (about 7-8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lime juice, coarse salt, and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl with the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
- Preheat the Grill: Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat each piece dry using paper towels. Drizzle the chicken lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juices and enhance the flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of honey or a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Be sure not to over-marinate the chicken to avoid it becoming too acidic or mushy; 1 to 2 hours is optimal.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
