If you’re craving a zesty and refreshing twist on grilled chicken, this Ultimate Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe is a must-try. Bursting with fresh lime juice and aromatic cilantro, this dish is perfect for summer barbecues or a simple weeknight dinner. The marinade infuses the chicken with vibrant flavors, making it juicy and irresistible. Get ready to fire up the grill and enjoy a taste sensation that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
Steps
- Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or wax paper and pound them to a uniform thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, sugar, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You should be able to hold your hand about an inch above the grates for only a second due to the heat.
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator, take it out of the marinade, and pat it dry with paper towels. Brush the chicken with a bit of olive oil.
- Use tongs to oil the grill grates lightly with a paper towel soaked in oil. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for a few minutes on each side until the chicken is just cooked through and has grill marks.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for the marinade, plus more for grilling
- Grated zest from 2 limes
- Juice from 2 limes (approximately 1/4 cup)
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lime wedges, fresh cilantro sprigs, and avocado slices (optional for serving)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1224 | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 516mg | Sodium: 1156mg | Carbohydrates: 8g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Total Sugars: 4g | Protein: 188g | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 1648mg
FAQ
- How can I ensure my chicken breasts are cooked evenly on the grill?
- To achieve even cooking, pound the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to a uniform thickness. This helps prevent parts of the chicken from becoming dry while others remain undercooked.
- What is the benefit of marinating chicken in a lime-based marinade?
- Marinating the chicken in a lime juice-based mixture helps tenderize the meat, similar to how buttermilk would, adding flavor and making it more succulent when grilled.
- Can I use a substitute if I don’t like cilantro?
- Absolutely! If cilantro isn’t to your taste, consider using fresh grated ginger, minced garlic with chopped parsley, or even arugula in the marinade.
- What sides pair well with cilantro lime chicken?
- This chicken dish pairs wonderfully with sliced avocado, refried black beans, cilantro lime rice, or a Southwestern quinoa salad to complement its flavors.
- How should I prepare the grill for cooking the chicken?
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You should be able to hold your hand an inch above the grates for about a second. Make sure to oil the grill grates before placing the chicken on them.
- What is the nutritional content of the grilled cilantro lime chicken?
- Each serving contains approximately 306 calories, 11g of fat, 2g of carbohydrates, and 47g of protein.
Tips
- Even Thickness for Even Cooking: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and prevents the outside from burning while the inside remains undercooked.
- Chill Before Grilling: Keep the chicken in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. Chilled chicken is less likely to overcook while achieving those desirable grill marks.
- Versatile Marinade Options: If cilantro isn’t to your taste, consider substituting it with fresh ginger, minced garlic, or chopped parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Prepping the Grill: Before placing the chicken on the grill, soak a paper towel in olive oil and use tongs to oil the grates. This helps to prevent sticking and ensures a clean grill mark on the chicken.
Equipment
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Tongs
- Large bowl for marinating
- Plastic wrap or wax paper
