Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for cilantro lime chicken marinade, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Chicken:
This cilantro lime chicken recipe uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which will have the best flavor. However, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken breast if you like. The cook time will vary depending on the cut of chicken you use, and boneless will cook faster.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Marinade:
Avocado Oil – I used avocado oil, but you could also use a light olive oil. You just need something heat-safe with a neutral flavor. Fresh Cilantro – A must for cilantro lime chicken marinade! If you’re not a cilantro fan, make one of my other chicken recipes instead. 😉 I don’t recommend using dried cilantro here either, but if you really want to, use 1/3 the amount. Lime Juice – Fresh lime juice tastes best, but you can use bottled for convenience. You can also add the lime zest if you’re using fresh limes. Garlic – I highly recommend fresh minced garlic, but 1 teaspoon of jarred garlic would also work. Feel free to add a few more garlic cloves if you love garlic! You can also use 1/2 teaspoon (or more) of garlic powder in a pinch, though it doesn’t taste as good as fresh. Seasonings – Sea salt, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Use more or less of the cayenne, depending on how spicy you want it, or toss in some red pepper flakes for even more heat.
How To Make Cilantro Lime Chicken
This section shows how to make cilantro lime chicken thighs with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat: Warm up the chicken in a hot skillet, or in the oven at 350 degrees F. You can microwave it, but the skin will be less crispy. Freeze: Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Do not freeze the chicken in cilantro lime marinade, because it will get mushy after 24 hours.
What To Serve With Cilantro Lime Chicken
This cilantro lime chicken recipe goes with all kinds of Mexican dishes! Here are some of my favorites to go with it: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to know your chicken is done perfectly. Aim for 170 degrees F for chicken thighs (which will make them more juicy and tender), or 165 degrees F for chicken breasts.
Rice – Serve with your favorite rice! For lighter options, try cauliflower rice (shown above) or cilantro lime cauliflower rice. Slaw – Taco slaw has the same flavors as this cilantro lime chicken, so they go together perfectly. Salsa – Top the chicken with a scoop of my mango salsa or drizzle with fresh tomato salsa. My regular homemade salsa recipe also works nicely. Don’t want it on top? Serve it on the side with your favorite tortilla chips instead. Veggies – Try Mexican street corn for a classic pairing! If you need something fast to pair with lime cilantro chicken, make some simple veggies, like roasted broccoli or sauteed zucchini.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
If you like this recipe, you’ll probably like these other simple ways to make chicken: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info includes 1/4 of the marinade, as the rest is discarded. 📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle!
