Name: Cilantro and Lime Chicken Marinade
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: For the Marinade: 1-1.5 lb chicken breasts (boneless & skinless); 2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (for slurry); 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (loosely packed); 3 cloves fresh garlic; 3 Tbsp lime juice; 1/4 cup olive oil (or avocado oil); 1/2 tsp chipotle powder; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp salt & pepper; 3 Tbsp honey

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If you’re looking for a marinade that packs a punch of fresh, zesty flavor, then this Cilantro and Lime Chicken Marinade is your new go-to. The combination of bright lime, aromatic cilantro, and a hint of garlic creates a marinade that not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with layers of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this marinade is the key to juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Trust me—you’re going to want to make this one a staple.

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Why You’ll Love Cilantro and Lime Chicken Marinade

This marinade isn’t just about flavor—it’s about bringing life to your chicken with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s a winner:

Fresh and Vibrant: The lime and cilantro bring that fresh, zesty punch that wakes up your taste buds. It’s a burst of summer in every bite.

Versatile: Perfect for grilling, roasting, or even sautéing. It works well with chicken breasts, thighs, or even shrimp. Plus, it’s a great base for tacos, salads, or wraps!

Quick and Easy: No need for complicated steps—just whisk, marinate, and cook. You’ll have a delicious, flavorful meal with minimal prep.

Healthy and Light: The marinade uses wholesome ingredients, making it a lighter, fresher option compared to heavy sauces.

Meal Prep Friendly: Marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. It’s great for meal prep, making dinner a breeze later in the week.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create the magic of this marinade:

Fresh Cilantro: The star ingredient that adds a burst of green goodness and that unmistakable flavor.

Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds tanginess and a natural tenderizer for the chicken.

Garlic: A couple of garlic cloves give the marinade depth and that savory punch.

Olive Oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist while grilling or cooking, and also carries the flavors.

Honey: Just a touch to balance the acidity of the lime and give the chicken a slight sweetness.

Cumin: This spice adds warmth and depth, taking the flavor profile to the next level.

Salt and Pepper: For seasoning—don’t skip this! It’s essential for bringing all the flavors together.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to bring this flavorful marinade to life:

Mix the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the fresh cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth.

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken (breasts, thighs, or your choice) in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.

Let It Marinate: Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 2 hours or up to overnight.

Cook the Chicken: Once marinated, cook the chicken however you prefer—grill, bake, or sauté. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the marinated chicken with your favorite sides, on top of a salad, in tacos, or however your heart desires. It’s guaranteed to impress!

How to Serve Cilantro and Lime Chicken

This juicy chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides—here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

Grilled Vegetables: Serve with charred veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions for a fresh, colorful plate.

Rice or Quinoa: Pair with a fluffy rice pilaf or quinoa to balance the zesty chicken. You could also serve it with cilantro-lime rice for an extra flavor punch.

Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with avocado, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette works perfectly alongside the chicken.

Tacos or Wraps: Shred the chicken and wrap it in tortillas with fresh veggies, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a quick taco dinner.

Additional Tips

Marinate Longer: The longer you marinate, the more the flavors penetrate the chicken. If you have time, marinate overnight for the best results.

Use the Marinade as a Sauce: If you want to elevate the dish even more, you can simmer the leftover marinade on the stove to create a flavorful sauce. Just be sure to cook it through before using it.

Add Heat: If you like a little spice, toss in a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Meal Prep: This marinade is perfect for meal prepping. Marinate several chicken breasts or thighs and store them in individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use this marinade for other meats?
A1: Absolutely! This marinade works great with chicken, shrimp, or even pork. Just adjust the marinating time as needed.

Q2: Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
A2: Fresh cilantro gives the best flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can use about 1 tablespoon of dried cilantro as a substitute.

Q3: Can I make this marinade ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can make the marinade up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q4: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the chicken with the marinade. Just make sure to seal it in a freezer bag or container, and it’ll last for up to 3 months.

Q5: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A5: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check with a meat thermometer to be sure.

Q6: Can I use lemon instead of lime?
A6: Yes, lemon is a great substitute for lime if you don’t have it. It’ll still give you that fresh, tangy flavor!

Q7: Can I add more honey for sweetness?
A7: Of course! Adjust the sweetness to your taste. A little extra honey can really balance the tang of the lime.

Q8: Can I use this marinade on vegetables?
A8: Yes! This marinade would be amazing on vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. Just make sure to marinate for a shorter time.

Q9: Can I make this marinade spicy?
A9: Definitely! Add some chopped fresh jalapeño or red pepper flakes to give it a kick.

Q10: Can I grill the chicken on the stove?
A10: Yes, you can cook the marinated chicken on a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Just make sure to cook it evenly on both sides.

Conclusion

This Cilantro and Lime Chicken Marinade is the perfect way to bring bold, fresh flavors to your chicken, and it’s so easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s juicy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this marinade is sure to elevate your meal and leave everyone asking for seconds. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious chicken!

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Cilantro and Lime Chicken Marinade

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition