Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken
A quick and easy 5-ingredient chicken recipe featuring fresh cilantro and lime juice for a bright, zesty flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup packed fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- Juice from 2 medium limes (about 3 tablespoons / 45 ml)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken with paper towels and trim any excess fat or tendons.
- In a medium bowl, combine cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Add chicken to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to 2 hours.
- Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes and add a light drizzle of olive oil.
- Place chicken pieces in the skillet in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden crust forms.
- Flip chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Transfer chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice against the grain and drizzle with leftover pan juices or fresh lime juice before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before marinating for better searing. Marinate between 20 minutes and 2 hours to avoid mushy texture. Use medium-high heat for a perfect crust. Let chicken rest after cooking to retain juices. Fresh cilantro is recommended over dried for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 ounc
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 4
- Protein: 40
Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free chicken, 5-ingredient chicken, healthy chicken dinner