Make Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken for an easy dinner packed with fresh flavor. Perfect for grilling season and family meals.
This Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken is one of my favorite easy grilling recipes because it delivers so much flavor without needing hours of marinating.
The combination of lime juice, fresh cilantro, and simple seasonings gives the chicken a bright, fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with summer dinners and backyard cookouts.
I especially love serving this dish with The Best Mexican Rice because the flavors pair together so well and make dinner feel complete without a lot of extra work.
If you are ready to fire up the grill, this chicken recipe is such a delicious way to kick off grilling season.
Ingredients
See the recipe card below for measurements and instructions.
- Chicken Breasts
- Cilantro
- Garlic Powder
- Chili Powder
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Salt & Pepper
- Limes
Fresh cilantro and lime juice bring freshness, while the garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper give the chicken a savory Tex-Mex flavor. If you want even more citrus flavor, adding a little lime zest to the marinade works really well, too.
Chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe because they cook quickly and absorb the marinade nicely, but chicken thighs also work great if you prefer darker meat.
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breasts skinless
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro freshly chopped
- 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Oregano or 1 TBS fresh chopped Oregano
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, combine the cilantro, olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice. Stir until well mixed.2 tablespoons Cilantro, 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil, ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon Chili Powder, ½ teaspoon Cumin, 1 teaspoon Oregano , Salt and Pepper to taste , 2 tablespoons Lime juice
- Rub the cilantro lime mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Let the chicken marinate while the grill heats.4 Chicken Breasts
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally and adjusting the heat as needed.
- Grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Tips for Grilling Chicken
One of the easiest ways to keep grilled chicken juicy is to make sure the grill is fully preheated before adding the chicken.
Clean grill grates also make a big difference by preventing sticking and giving the chicken those nice grill marks. I usually brush the grates lightly with oil before cooking over direct heat.
If your chicken breasts are especially thick, pounding them to a more even thickness helps them cook more evenly and keeps the edges from drying out before the center finishes cooking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If you want to freeze it, let the chicken cool completely first, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating.
The leftovers reheat well in the microwave, oven, or skillet and make for easy lunches throughout the week.
More Tex-Mex Recipes
Looking for more easy Tex-Mex dinner ideas? Here are a few more favorites to try next.
Hi, I'm Katie!
I'm so glad you're here. Want to make something fabulous? I'm here to help!
Crystal
Ok, I've tried oiling my grill before, but my chicken just stuck to the grates. Do you put the oil on with a brush or paper towel? Yummy recipe! Can't wait to make it with the rice. Thanks for the recipes 🙂
Katie
Crystal, funny you asked that question because when I was writing that direction I was thinking to myself, I need to do a blog post on how to oil your grill! Use an oil that has a high smoke point oil such as extra light olive oil, grape seed oil, or even avocado oil! Heat the grill first and let the grates get hot. Then use a folded paper towel that has been soaked with oil. Place the folded paper towels under your grilling brush and move up and down the grates. I have also used my Misto spray and gently and carefully sprayed my grates. Another option is brushing the grates with oil. And then place your food on immediately after oiling and this should help with sticking. Thanks for stopping by, Crystal!
Crystal
Thanks for the help. I will be making it this weekend...yay!! I grocery shop every two weeks (my husband gets paid) with my meal plan in tow. The day after shopping day, I cut my meat (mostly chicken), season it, place in freezer bags, and put into freezer until day before using. I learned this little trick that while thawing, the chicken will be marinating. Win-Win. I don't have to think about marinating meat, because it's already done. I'll let you know how the family likes your chicken! Thanks so much 🙂
Katie
What a wonderful idea to season the chicken before freezing! I love it 🙂 I hope you and your family enjoy this recipe. Thanks so much for stopping by and checking it out!
Crystal
I just wanted to let you know that I grilled the cilantro lime chicken tonight. It was FABULOUS!! It is definitely a keeper with my family. Since it was beautiful outside, I decided to make it into a wrap. I cut up red, yellow, and orange peppers. I had peppers, shredded lettuce, Sargento's mexican cheese, refried beans, and homemade guacamole. I grilled the tortilla's. We had a make your own wrap bar. Everyone went back for seconds. There was no leftovers. Thank you so much for the awesome recipe!! Loved it!!
Katie
This is awesome news, you just made my day 🙂 I am so glad your family enjoyed the recipe and I love your idea of a wrap bar! Sounds like everyone left with smiles and full tummies!
Serena| Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
This looks amazing! Katie! Love it!
Katie
Thanks, Serena!
Joy @ Yesterfood
Katie, your grilled chicken is beautiful- and BONUS, the Best Mexican Rice! ♥ Your gorgeous photography makes me want to dive right in. Thank you for sharing this with us at Treasure Box Tuesday- Pinned and Tweeted! 😀
Katie
Thank you, Joy! It was my pleasure 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful day!
Sarah @ How My World Runs
Looks delicious, I'm pinning this one.
Found you on the Treasure Box Tuesday link-up. 🙂
Katie
Thank you, Sarah!
Angela
This sounds like a perfect way to jazz up chicken!! Pinned!
Katie
Thank you, Angela! Hopping over right now 🙂
Jen @ Yummy Healthy Easy
What beautiful grilled chicken, Katie! This is going on my Dinner Ideas pin board - thank you so much for the recipe! I can't wait to try it!
Lori
I tried this last night. I didn't have cilantro, but it was still very good. I am going to add fresh corn to the rice next time I make it.
Barb A.
This was so good! We actually made it in the fall and stocked it away in the freezer so we could enjoy some grill flavor in the winter. We just broke it out a couple days ago and it was so yummy! My hubby told me to definitely hang on to this recipe! Thank you!