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Cilantro Lime Chicken

This cilantro lime chicken is tender, flavorful, and full of zest. Made with easy-to-find ingredients, it cooks well on the grill or stovetop and works perfectly in tacos, bowls, salads, or alongside your favorite sides.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Marinate Time:: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 271kcal
Author: Liora

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 2 limes
  • 3 heaping tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat

Instructions

MARINADE

  • In a small bowl, mix together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, maple syrup, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Place the chicken in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge.

STOVETOP COOKING METHOD

  • Heat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil.
  • Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off any extra liquid. Place the chicken in the hot skillet.
  • Cook for 6–7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve.

GRILLING METHOD

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375–450°F). Lightly oil the grill grates.
  • Remove chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill.
  • Grill for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Storage: Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure it cools completely before storing in a freezer-safe container or bag.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Please note that the nutritional values are provided by an online calculator and should be considered as an estimate.

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 158mg | Sodium: 741mg | Potassium: 454mg | Sugar: 2g