Description
This Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe features tender and juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a zesty mixture of fresh cilantro, garlic, and lime juice. Perfect for a quick and flavorful main course, this dish offers a vibrant combination of citrus and herb flavors that make it a standout for any meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (about 7-8 ounces each)
Marinade
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 limes (juiced)
- 1/2 tablespoon coarse salt
- Black pepper (to taste)
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon oil (to drizzle for preventing sticking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, coarse salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drizzle a small amount of oil over the chicken to prevent sticking during cooking. Preheat your grill to high heat, ready for grilling.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for about 5 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This enhances juiciness and final flavor.
Notes
- For more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or cook the chicken under a broiler for similar results.
- Make sure to dry the chicken before grilling to achieve a nice sear and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh limes for the best citrus flavor in the marinade.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 7-8 ounces)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
