Let’s talk about a summer classic that’s anything but bland—Grilled Lime Cilantro Chicken. It’s juicy, vibrant, and fresh, thanks to a marinade that does all the heavy lifting. This isn’t just any grilled chicken. It’s a healthy BBQ recipe with a Mexican-style twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe).
This dish hits every note with the perfect balance of tangy lime, sweet honey, and earthy cilantro. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout or a simple family dinner, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Lime Cilantro Chicken
- It’s incredibly juicy and flavorful thanks to the citrusy marinade.
- Uses wholesome, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
- A Mexican-style chicken recipe that pairs with everything from rice bowls to tacos.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts (680 g)
- 1–2 teaspoons lime zest (2–4 g)
- 1/2 cup lime juice (120 ml)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (60 ml)
- 1/4 cup honey (60 ml)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (15 g) + more for garnish
- 1–2 teaspoons kosher salt (5–10 g)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (2 g)
- Lime wedges for garnish (optional)
How to Make It
- Combine chicken, lime zest, juice, olive oil, honey, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a large zip-top bag.
- Seal the bag and massage gently to coat the chicken evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavour.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and place on the grill.
- Grill for about 5 minutes with the lid closed.
- Flip and grill another 4–5 minutes until fully cooked (juices run clear).
- Remove from grill, let rest briefly.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken
- Thin-sliced chicken cooks faster and more evenly—ideal for avoiding dry meat.
- Don’t skip the resting time—it helps keep the juices inside where they belong.
- Marinate overnight for a bolder flavour.
- Want some heat? Add a dash of cayenne or minced jalapeño to the marinade.
A Bite of Olivia’s Backyard
This recipe has been on repeat in my house since we discovered it during a spur-of-the-moment weeknight grill session. I had a few limes, some chicken, and not much else—but the magic that happened was pure summer gold. Now it’s the go-to whenever we fire up the grill. And yes, my kids have declared it “better than takeout.” I’ll take that as a win!
Perfect Pairings
- Cilantro-lime rice or quinoa
- Grilled corn or summer veggie skewers
- Avocado salad or black bean salsa
- Chilled watermelon slices for a sweet finish
How to Store & Reheat
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s delicious cold in wraps or salads, or gently reheated in a skillet with a splash of water to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely—just adjust the cooking time, as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze the raw chicken in the marinade for a quick future meal. Just thaw and grill when ready.
Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes or until cooked through.
Grill, Garnish, Devour
Grilled Lime Cilantro Chicken is the ultimate juicy grilled chicken recipe that’s bursting with zesty flavour and backyard BBQ charm. It’s healthy, easy, and wonderfully versatile—basically everything you want from a summer dinner star. So grab your tongs and fire up the grill—it’s time to make magic happen.
Print
Grilled Lime Cilantro Chicken: A Juicy Mexican-Style BBQ Favourite
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Lime Cilantro Chicken is a juicy, zesty grilled chicken recipe with bold Mexican-style flavor. Marinated in lime juice, honey, and fresh cilantro, this healthy BBQ favorite is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer cookouts.
Ingredients
-
1 1/2 pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts (680 g)
-
1–2 teaspoons lime zest (2–4 g)
-
1/2 cup lime juice (120 ml)
-
1/4 cup olive oil (60 ml)
-
1/4 cup honey (60 ml)
-
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (15 g) + more for garnish
-
1–2 teaspoons kosher salt (5–10 g)
-
1 teaspoon black pepper (2 g)
-
Lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
In a zip-top bag, combine chicken, lime zest and juice, olive oil, honey, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
-
Seal and massage to coat chicken evenly.
-
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
-
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high; oil the grates.
-
Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5 minutes with lid closed.
-
Flip and grill another 4–5 minutes or until cooked through.
-
Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
-
Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
Thin chicken breasts ensure quick, even cooking.
Resting helps keep the chicken juicy.
Add spice with jalapeño or cayenne if desired.
Also works well baked or cooked in a skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired