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Cilantro Lime Chicken Bring restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen with this juicy cilantro lime chicken plated with fluffy white rice and fresh lime wedges. Marinated to perfection with garlic, lime, and cilantro, then grilled to golden perfection, this dish is bursting with vibrant colors and irresistible aromas. Ideal for a healthy, satisfying dinner that’s simple to prepare yet full of bold, fresh flavors!

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Tender, juicy chicken infused with zesty lime and fresh cilantro for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinate Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 216
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (well-trimmed, for even cooking)
  • 3 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided (3 tablespoon for marinade, ½ tablespoon for skillet)
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest from fresh lime, for bright flavor
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed for marinade
  • ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro washed and finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced (or pressed for stronger aroma)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin adds smoky depth
  • 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder for subtle heat
  • 1 teaspoon Adobo seasoning for balanced savory flavor
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt to enhance all flavors
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Method
 

  1. Zest one lime and then juice it; chop cilantro and finely mince the garlic. prep
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, Adobo seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth. mix
  3. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat in the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 2 hours. assemble
  4. Remove chicken from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking. prep
  5. Heat ½ tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken thighs smooth side down first. Cook 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). bake
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Top with additional chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving. finish

Nutrition

Serving: 120ServingCalories: 216kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 22gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 499mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This cilantro lime chicken is perfect for busy weeknights—bright, zesty, and irresistibly juicy. Serve with extra lime for a fresh, vibrant finish.

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