Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
This recipe is a perfect way to infuse chicken with bright, citrusy flavors using a simple marinade.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Lime wedges and additional cilantro for garnish (optional)
Cooking Guide:
-
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
-
Preheat the Grill: Prepare your grill for medium-high heat. You can use a gas grill, charcoal grill, or even a grill pan on your stovetop. If using a gas grill, preheat for 10 minutes with the lid closed. If using charcoal, light the coals and let them burn until they are mostly ash-covered.
-
Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
Tips:
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture. If you do this, increase the cooking time to about 7-8 minutes per side. Make sure the skin is crispy before removing from the grill.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. It’s better to err on the side of undercooked and then check the temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Let the chicken rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Tent the cooked chicken with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Get creative with the marinade. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or a tablespoon of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
- Serve the chicken with your favorite grilled vegetables, rice, or quinoa. Top it with fresh lime wedges and additional chopped cilantro for a refreshing garnish.
Must Tried Recipes :
