Description
Cilantro Lime Chicken is a vibrant and zesty grilled chicken dish marinated in a flavorful blend of citrus juices, olive oil, honey, cumin, and fresh herbs. This recipe balances tangy lime and orange with the fresh taste of cilantro and a touch of garlic, creating a juicy and aromatic entree perfect for a wholesome family dinner or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 oranges (zested and juiced)
- 3 limes (zested and juiced)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Zest and juice the oranges and limes. In a medium bowl, whisk together the citrus zest and juice with olive oil, honey, ground cumin, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper until well combined to form a vibrant marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Reserve half of the marinade for basting later. Place the chicken breasts and the remaining marinade into a resealable plastic bag, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse thoroughly. You can marinate for up to 6 hours for deeper flavor.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill to 450°F (232°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Grill the chicken breasts for approximately 10 to 12 minutes total, turning as needed to cook evenly. Brush the chicken with the reserved marinade halfway through grilling to enhance flavor and moisture. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure doneness.
- Serve: Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken topped with mango-avocado salsa over rice for a colorful and refreshing meal, or enjoy as is with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but not longer than 6 hours to avoid the citrus acids breaking down the meat too much.
- Always ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 425°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Reserve some marinade before adding chicken to avoid contamination and for basting during grilling.
- This recipe pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad to create a balanced meal.
