Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken

If you’re looking for a new grilled chicken recipe to add to your repertoire, then this is the one to try out. This Cilantro Lime Chicken is super simple to whip up and loaded with mouth-watering flavors from the easy cilantro, lime, and garlic marinade. And the best part? You can save the leftover sauce and use it as a salad dressing, on burgers, and even on tacos. Trust me, you won’t want to let a single drop go to waste.

While I absolutely love the smoky flavors you get from cooking this cilantro chicken recipe on the grill, you can cook it in the oven or on the stove if you don’t feel like firing up the grill. Not a fan of cilantro? Swap it out for parsley or basil—you’ll still love this easy grilled chicken! Don't miss all our delicious grilling recipes.

You can pair this dish with any of your favorite summer side dishes like grilled veggie skewers, whole wheat pasta, potato salad, rice, or a tasty salad. No matter how you choose to serve this grilled chicken, I guarantee you’re going to fall head over heels with this crave-worthy dish.

Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Ingredients

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

• Chicken breasts: I like to use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you can easily swap them out for chicken thighs or drumsticks instead. If using drumsticks, they will need more time to cook.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro (stems and leaves) adds a tremendous amount of fresh, herbaceous flavor to the marinade we coat the chicken with. If you don’t like the taste of cilantro, try using fresh parsley or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Lime juice: Deliciously bright and bold, fresh lime juice adds a tangy flavor that brightens up the dish while providing acidity that helps to break down and tenderize the meat.
• Olive oil: Olive oil in a marinade is always a good idea. Not only does it prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, but it’s also a vehicle for all the other flavors. Avocado oil would work well as an alternative to olive oil.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a delicious flavor to the marinade.
• Brown sugar: This is optional, but I love adding a little brown sugar. It adds a layer of depth to the marinade and helps to caramelize the grilled chicken. Honey or maple syrup would work as well.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

I may not be a total grill master, but I’ve definitely picked up my fair share of tips and tricks along the way. Here are some of my favorites to help you get the best-tasting grilled cilantro lime chicken:

• If you have the time, I highly recommend marinating the chicken for 8-24 hours for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• If you’re running short on time, consider butterflying your chicken to give the marinade more surface area to work with. You could also try injecting the marinade if you’re feeling fancy or just lightly poke your chicken with a fork to help the marinade seep in.
• To avoid dry, overcooked meat, use an instant-read meat thermometer. We want the center of the meat to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
• Play around with your marinade by incorporating your favorite spices and herbs. If you want to turn up the heat a little, add in some cayenne pepper or chili powder. Want more smoke? Add a dash of smoked paprika or cumin.
• Transform your grilled chicken into delicious kebabs by cutting them into bite-sized pieces and skewering them with colorful veggies like bell peppers and red onions. It’s an easy way to customize this recipe for a summer BBQ party and turn this chicken into a complete meal.
• Double up the flavor with this creamy cilantro lime sauce.

Side Dish Ideas for Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken

There are so many dishes that pair well with this grilled chicken that it’s hard to decide which ones to share. Most of the time, I find myself serving this dish with easy and healthy sides like Garlic Grilled Broccoli and brown rice or roasted potatoes.

Other great options to serve witht grilled chicken include this Mango Salsa, Baked Sweet Potato Fries, and Mexican Street Corn.

If you have leftover chicken, save it to use for Grilled Chicken Tacos or Chicken Taco Bowls. It's also great for wraps, and salads throughout the week. That flavorful cilantro lime sauce is guaranteed to enhance anything you pair with this dish!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Grilled cilantro lime chicken stores like a dream, making it ideal for meal prep and making ahead of time. All you need to do is place the pieces in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To store your cooked chicken for longer, pop it into the freezer for up to 3 months.

Because this recipe benefits from a longer marinating time, you can easily make it a day in advance and let the marinade soak into the chicken overnight. If you’re getting ready to host guests, this is a great way to take some of the work off your plate on the day of the event and it’ll make the chicken taste even better. It’s a win-win!