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Fresh, zesty, and so flavorful, this Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken is so quick and easy to make, you’ll be making it all summer! The chicken thighs are grilled perfectly until tender and juicy, and the best part is that this recipe is easy enough for busy weeknight dinners or as a part of a weekend cookout.
If you’re looking for an easy and healthy weeknight dinner recipe then you’re going to want to make this cilantro lime chicken recipe! All you have to do is combine all the ingredients of the marinade, let the chicken soak up the flavors, then toss it on the grill. Easy peasy! You’re definitely going to want to make this family favorite.
If you’re having a cookout and need more grilling recipes, you should try my Grilled Harissa Chicken Thighs and Teriyaki Grilled Chicken. They’re so quick and easy to make, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Marinated Chicken
- It’s healthy. Made with wholesome healthy ingredients, this protein-packed recipe makes for the perfect dinner. Enjoy them on their own or add them on top of a salad.
- Made with kitchen staples. There’s no need to make a trip to the grocery store just to make these grilled chicken thighs. Most of the ingredients are kitchen staples and can be whipped up in no time.
- The perfect juicy chicken thighs. Grilling chicken brings out all the great flavor of the thighs and the marinade, keeping the chicken tender with lovely char lines.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken: I used boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- Cilantro Lime Marinade: For the marinade, I use lime juice, salt, chili flakes, honey, cilantro leaves, garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, coriander, cumin powder, and black pepper.
How To Make Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients together.
- Marinate the chicken: Add in the chicken and coat well with the marinade. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Grill the chicken thighs: Preheat grill and then spray the grill with oil spray and grill the chicken until fully cooked on the inside for 5-8 minutes or internal temperature reaches 165 F.
Tips and Notes to Make Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Fresh lime is ideal for this recipe. I would not recommend using bottled lime juice for this as you have that fresh and bright citrus flavor.
- To make this spicier, you can add more chili flakes or even some cayenne pepper.
- Always use a preheated grill so the chicken doesn’t stick.
- You can grill the chicken in the oven, indoor grill or outdoor grill. For the best flavor, I recommend grilling outdoors for the char flavor.
- For more flavor, you can reserve ¼ of the marinade before adding the chicken to marinate. When the chicken is done grilling, you can drizzle the reserved marinade over the top of the thighs before serving. Make sure you’re using the reserved marinade. Do not use the marinade the raw chicken thighs had been marinating in.
Frequently Asked Questions
I use chicken thighs but you can definitely use boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins if you prefer. You can also use skin-on bone-in cuts of chicken as well, just keep in mind that the cook time will be longer.
You can make the chicken in the oven instead. Simply place them on a sheet pan and bake them for 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F. You can also sear them on the stovetop as well.
If you’ve got leftover cilantro lime chicken, simply store them in an airtight container inside of an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Yes! Once the chicken has cooled to room temperature, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready to enjoy.
This dish can go with many sides such as salads, potatoes and veggies. Try some of these recipes: Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts Salad, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes, Cheesy Potato Stacks, and Mexican Street Salad.
More Grilled Recipes to Try
- Best Grilled Vegetables
- Grilled Steak and Potatoes
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Grilled Beef Kabobs
- Grilled Chicken Lime Bowls
I hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this delicious Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe. I hope you try it, enjoy it, rate it, and share it with your friends and family!
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Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 large boneless chicken thighs, trimmed from all fats
For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¾-1 tsp. salt, to taste
- ½ tsp chili flakes, more or less to taste
- 1 tbsp. honey
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves, packed, finely chopped (plus extra for garnishing)
- 4 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tbsps. olive oil
- ½ tsp. smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp. coriander
- ¾ tsp. cumin powder
- 1 tsp. black pepper, fresh ground
- Lemon wedges for garnishing
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients together.
- Then add in the chicken and coat well with the marinade. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat grill.
- Spray the grill with oil spray and grill the chicken until fully cooked on the inside for 5-8 minutes or internal temperature reaches 165 F.
Notes
- Fresh lime is ideal for this recipe. I would not recommend using bottled lime juice for this as you have that fresh and bright citrus flavor.
- To make this spicier, you can add more chili flakes or even some cayenne pepper.
- Always use a preheated grill so the chicken doesn’t stick.
- You can grill the chicken in the oven, indoor grill or outdoor grill. For the best flavor, I recommend grilling outdoors for the char flavor.
- For more flavor, you can reserve ¼ of the marinade before adding the chicken to marinate. When the chicken is done grilling, you can drizzle the reserved marinade over the top of the thighs before serving. Make sure you’re using the reserved marinade. Do not use the marinade the raw chicken thighs had been marinating in.
