Zesty Lime-Cilantro Grilled Chicken
Transform your dinner with this Zesty Lime-Cilantro Grilled Chicken, a recipe that turned my husband into a chicken lover. The marinade, a vibrant combination of fresh lime juice, fragrant garlic, and aromatic cilantro, infuses the chicken with a burst of flavor. Grilled to perfection, this dish is not only healthy but also brings a delightful south-of-the-border twist to your plate. Serve it over fluffy rice or a refreshing salad for a meal that's sure to impress. Add sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, and crispy tortilla strips for the ultimate finishing touch, making this a go-to recipe for gatherings or a cozy family night.
N/A
Servings
107
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
4-6 (small, trimmed)
Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
1/4 cup (from about 2-3 limes)
White Vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Water
1/4 cup (none)
Olive Oil
1/3 cup (none)
Fresh Cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Garlic
2 tablespoons (chopped (about 4 large cloves))
Jalapeno
1 (thinly sliced (de-seed if desired))
Cumin Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine lime juice, white vinegar, water, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, jalapeno slices, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper.
2
Seal the bag and shake gently to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
3
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours to allow flavors to meld.
4
Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
5
Grill or broil the chicken for approximately 6 minutes on each side, basting with the remaining marinade at least twice, until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6
Once cooked, remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
7
Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or a vibrant salad.
8
Optional: Reserve approximately 1/4 cup of the marinade before adding the chicken; use it as a flavorful salad dressing.
Nutrition Information
5.3g
Fat
1.3g
Carbs
11.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lime-Cilantro Grilled Chicken?
It is a flavorful grilled chicken dish featuring a marinade of fresh lime juice, garlic, and cilantro with a South-of-the-border twist.
How long should the chicken marinate?
For the best flavor infusion, the chicken should be refrigerated in the marinade for 4 to 8 hours.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4-6 small, trimmed boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How do I cook the chicken?
Grill or broil the chicken over medium-high heat for approximately 6 minutes on each side.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains one jalapeno; you can de-seed the jalapeno if you want to reduce the heat levels.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains 107 calories, 5.3g of fat, 1.3g of carbohydrates, and 11.7g of protein.
Can I use the marinade as a salad dressing?
Yes, you can reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade before adding the raw chicken to use as a dressing.
What side dishes go well with this chicken?
It is recommended to serve the chicken over fluffy rice or a vibrant fresh salad.
How much lime juice do I need?
You will need 1/4 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice, which is roughly 2-3 limes.
Should I baste the chicken while cooking?
Yes, baste the chicken with the remaining marinade at least twice during the grilling process.
How much garlic is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic, which is approximately 4 large cloves.
What spices are included in the marinade?
The marinade includes cumin powder, salt, and black pepper for seasoning.
Should I let the chicken rest after grilling?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the heat before slicing.
What type of oil is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of olive oil in the marinade.
Can I use a broiler if I don't have a grill?
Yes, the recipe provides instructions for both grilling and broiling the chicken.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and features lean protein and fresh ingredients.
What toppings can I add to this dish?
Suggested toppings include sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, and crispy tortilla strips.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients including the chicken and the various marinade components.
What kind of vinegar is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of cumin powder.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is family-friendly.
How much water is added to the marinade?
The marinade includes 1/4 cup of water.
What is the sodium content?
The specific sodium count is not listed, but the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional information indicates no sugar is added to this recipe.
How should I prepare the cilantro?
You should use 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped cilantro.
Can I make this for a large gathering?
Yes, it is described as a go-to recipe for gatherings or cozy family nights.
Is the chicken skinless?
Yes, the recipe specifies using boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Does the recipe use black pepper?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a dinner dish with a South-of-the-border theme.