Have you ever craved something zesty, spicy, and incredibly delicious that doesn't take forever to make? This Grilled Chili Cilantro Lime Chicken has become my go-to recipe whenever I need a quick protein option that's bursting with flavor! The tangy lime, fresh cilantro, and spicy chili flakes create the perfect marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into something truly special.
I discovered this recipe last summer when Emily and I were looking for new grilling options, and it's been in our regular rotation ever since.
My Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta uses similar flavor principles with a different twist, and they both showcase how a simple marinade can transform protein into something amazing.
Why You Will Love This Zesty Chicken With Cilantro Lime
- Ready in just 15 minutes of active cooking time
- The perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors
- Works beautifully for meal prep - stays juicy when reheated
- Incredibly versatile - use in tacos, salads, bowls, or on its own
- Naturally low-carb and gluten-free
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
The first time I made this grilled chicken, my daughter Emily declared it was "better than restaurant chicken" (high praise from my little food critic!).
What I love most is how this cilantro lime marinade transforms in the heat - the lime caramelizes slightly while the spices bloom into something magical.
Fresh Ingredients for the Perfect Chili Cilantro Lime Chicken
- 4 medium chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (or thighs)
- Marinade:
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- Zest of one lime, or 1 tsp
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped finely
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar, or honey
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
I personally prefer using chicken thighs when I have them on hand - they're almost impossible to overcook and stay juicy no matter what.
But honestly, this cilantro lime marinade is so good that even chicken breasts come out tender and flavorful!
Sometimes I'll add a bit more cilantro if my garden is overflowing (who talks like that at my age???), or dial back the chili flakes when making it for Emily.
The beauty of this chicken recipe is how adaptable it is to your personal taste preferences.
How to Make Perfect Grilled Chili Cilantro Lime Chicken
Prepare the Marinade
- Whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, chopped cilantro, garlic, salt, brown sugar (or honey), chili flakes, and cumin in a small bowl until well combined.
- Place chicken in a large ziplock bag or bowl and pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated by turning the chicken in the marinade several times.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for more intense flavor.
(I've found 4 hours is the sweet spot for flavor without the lime juice starting to "cook" the chicken!)
Grilling the Chicken With Cilantro Lime Marinade
- Pre-heat your grill, pan, or griddle to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan on the stove, add a touch of oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Don't throw away the marinade yet if you want to use it for basting!
- Grill chicken for approximately 5-6 minutes on the first side until you see nice grill marks forming.
- Flip chicken and continue grilling for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside has a beautiful golden char.
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time is crucial - it allows the juices to redistribute and results in much juicier chicken!
The first time I made this grilled chicken, I got distracted checking Emily's homework and left it on the grill a minute too long - even then, the cilantro lime marinade kept it from drying out completely. That's how forgiving this recipe is!
Storage & Reheating Your Chili Lime Chicken
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This cilantro lime chicken freezes beautifully! Slice or cube it before freezing for quick meal additions. It will keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain moisture. Microwave on 70% power if you're in a hurry.
I often make a double batch on Sunday for meal prep - the leftovers are perfect for quick lunches throughout the week.
The flavor actually deepens a bit overnight!
Tasty Variations and Tips for Your Chili Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Make it creamier: Whisk 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream into the marinade for a creamier texture.
- Add smokiness: Substitute chipotle powder for half of the red chili flakes.
- Citrus swap: Try it with half lime juice and half orange juice for a different citrus profile.
- Serving ideas: This grilled chicken is incredibly versatile! Slice it for tacos, chop it for salads, serve it over rice, or eat it straight off the grill with a side of veggies.
- Double the marinade: If you want to use some as a sauce, double the recipe and set half aside before adding the chicken (food safety first!).
Have you ever considered adding a splash of tequila to the cilantro lime marinade?
I tried it once for a dinner party, and it added an amazing depth of flavor! Just make sure to give it enough time to marinate so the alcohol can work its magic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Chili Cilantro Lime Chicken
This chicken pairs beautifully with Mexican rice, roasted vegetables, corn salad, black beans, or a fresh avocado salad. For a complete meal, serve it with tortillas for tacos or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
You can marinate this chicken for as little as 30 minutes for good flavor, but for best results, marinate it for 4-8 hours. You can marinate for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, but avoid longer times as the lime juice can start breaking down the chicken texture.
Each serving of this grilled chili cilantro lime chicken contains approximately 203 calories, with 24g protein, 10g fat, and only 3g carbohydrates, making it a protein-rich, low-carb meal option.
To cook on the stovetop, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Chicken Recipes You May Like
- Creamy Mushroom Garlic Chicken - Another quick chicken dinner that's creamy and comforting
- Chipotle Honey Chicken - If you like this recipe's spicy-sweet balance, you'll love this one too
- Healthy Buffalo Chicken Wraps - A great way to use leftover grilled chicken in a new meal
Conclusion
This Grilled Chili Cilantro Lime Chicken has saved dinner at our house more times than I can count!
It's quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests. The bright, zesty flavors make it perfect for summer grilling, while the warming spices make it cozy enough for year-round enjoyment.
I hope you give this chicken recipe a try and let me know how it turns out for you! Don't forget to save this to Pinterest for your next meal planning session.
Grilled Chili Cilantro Lime Chicken
Equipment
- Grill Pan
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts medium, boneless, skinless (or thighs)
Marinade
- ¼ cup lime juice fresh
- 1 teaspoon lime zest or zest of one lime
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon cilantro fresh, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves chopped finely
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, chopped cilantro, garlic, salt, brown sugar (or honey), chili flakes, and cumin in a small bowl until well combined.
- Place chicken in a large ziplock bag or bowl and pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated by turning the chicken in the marinade several times.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for more intense flavor.
- Pre-heat your grill, pan, or griddle to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan on the stove, add a touch of oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Grill chicken for approximately 5-6 minutes on the first side until you see nice grill marks forming.
- Flip chicken and continue grilling for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside has a beautiful golden char.
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
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