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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Zest of 2 limes - 1/4 cup lime juice - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Slices of lime and extra cilantro for garnish To make cilantro lime chicken, you need fresh ingredients. The chicken is the star. The flavor comes from lime and cilantro. You will also use garlic and spices. Cumin and paprika add warmth and depth. Use high-quality olive oil for a smooth finish. I like to chop the cilantro finely. This helps spread the flavor. Zesting the limes adds a bright punch. Lime juice brings acidity and balances the dish. Salt and pepper are key for seasoning. Gather these ingredients before you start. It makes cooking easier. When you have everything ready, you can focus on creating a tasty meal. For those wanting to follow along, the Full Recipe is where you’ll find all the details. Enjoy the fresh flavors! To start, I whisk together key ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This blend creates a vibrant marinade. The lime and cilantro give a fresh taste. The spices add warmth and depth. You want to ensure everything is well combined. This step sets the flavor for the chicken. Next, I place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag. You can also use a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours. This lets the flavors soak in deeply. Now it’s time to grill! Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. If you use a grill, lightly oil the grates. This prevents sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it moist. Enjoy your flavorful meal! For detailed cooking instructions, refer to the Full Recipe. Grilling and pan-searing are great methods for making cilantro lime chicken. For grilling, preheat the grill to a medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to stop the chicken from sticking. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. You want nice grill marks and a temperature of 165°F inside. If you pan-sear, heat a skillet with a little oil. Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until done. Both methods give a nice, crispy finish. Marinating the chicken is key for great flavor. The marinade mixes lime juice, zest, cilantro, garlic, and spices. Letting the chicken soak in this mixture for at least 30 minutes helps it absorb all those delicious flavors. For even more taste, try to marinate for up to 2 hours. This time allows the acid in lime juice to tenderize the meat, making each bite juicy and full of zest. Resting the chicken is crucial for keeping it juicy. After cooking, let the chicken sit for about 5 minutes before slicing. This step allows the juices to settle back into the meat. If you cut too soon, all the juice runs out. You want every slice to be moist and flavorful. This small step makes a big difference in your dish! {{image_2}} You can spice up your cilantro lime chicken by adding chili flakes or jalapeños. The heat from these ingredients gives the dish a bold twist. I love to mix in about a teaspoon of chili flakes with the marinade. If you prefer fresh heat, chop up a jalapeño and add it to the mix. This simple change can take your dish from mild to wild! Using the chicken in tacos is a fun way to enjoy this dish. Once cooked, slice the chicken and stuff it into warm tortillas. Top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and avocado for a tasty bite. You can even add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing. These tacos are a hit at any gathering! To make your meal complete, pair the chicken with tasty side dishes. I recommend serving it with rice, black beans, or a fresh salad. Corn on the cob also complements the flavors well. For a refreshing touch, a side of guacamole works great too. These sides will enhance your cilantro lime chicken experience! To keep your Cilantro Lime Chicken fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This helps keep the moisture in. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If you want to freeze it, make sure to cool it first. Then, put it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. This prevents freezer burn. When reheating, aim for the best flavor and texture. The oven works well for this. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts, checking often. This way, it won't dry out. Cilantro Lime Chicken stays fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. If you freeze it, it can last for up to 3 months. Just remember, the longer it stays in the freezer, the more it can lose flavor. For the best taste, eat it sooner rather than later. Yes, you can use bottled lime juice. However, fresh lime juice tastes best. Fresh juice has a bright, vibrant flavor. Bottled juice often lacks that freshness. If you use bottled juice, choose one with no added sugars. Fresh lime zest will also add extra flavor. Cilantro lime chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Rice or quinoa for a filling base. - Grilled vegetables for added color and taste. - A fresh salad for crunch and brightness. - Tortillas for a fun wrap option. These sides will enhance your meal and bring balance. Absolutely! Cilantro lime chicken is great for meal prep. Cook it in advance and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to four days. You can add it to salads, wraps, or bowls. This dish also freezes nicely. Just make sure to thaw it overnight before reheating. For the complete details on how to prepare this dish, check out the [Full Recipe](#). This blog post covered how to make Cilantro Lime Chicken. You learned about the ingredients and the steps to grill juicy chicken. I shared tips for flavor and fun variations. Storing leftovers and reheating are also key points. Remember, marinating is important for taste. This chicken dish is great for meal prep or family dinners. Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. Try adding your own twist, like spicy elements or tacos. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this simple and tasty recipe!

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Bring the flavor of summer to your dinner table with this easy Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe! Perfectly marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection make for a delicious weeknight meal or festive gathering. With fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and a hint of spices, this dish will become a family favorite. Ready in just 40 minutes, click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your cooking tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Zest of 2 limes

1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Slices of lime and extra cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

    Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

      Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

        Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the marinade.

          Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

            Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh lime slices and additional chopped cilantro before serving.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4