Cilantro Lime Chicken Marinade Recipe
Cilantro lime chicken marinade is a flavorful blend of fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, and seasonings like cumin, salt, and pepper. It tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a bright, zesty, and slightly earthy flavor, perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Ziplock Bag
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 1/2 Pieces Jalapenos Seeded And Chopped
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Lime Juice About 2 Limes
- 1/4 Cup Zest Of Lime
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Fresh Cilantro Chopped
- 3 Garlic Cloves Minced
- 1 Tbsp Honey Or Agave
- 1 Tsp Ground Cumin
- 1/2 Tsp Chili Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Salt And Pepper
- 1 To 2 Ibs Chicken Thighs Bone-In Or Boneless
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, honey, salt, pepper, and lime zest.( If you need fine paste then you can used food processor as well)
- Place the chicken in a plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken make sure it’s fully coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2-4 hours for more flavor. You can also marinate overnight.
- After refrigeration we need to Grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken until it's fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Your cilantro lime chicken marinade is ready to Serve. you can garnish it with some extra cilantro and lime wedges on the side it enhance the overall presentation as well as taste.
Notes
1) Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier due to their fat content, but breasts also work well in this marinade. If you used chicken breasts make sure to check their cooking time and Adjust the cooking time based on the cut you use.
2) Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. You can turn the chicken midway through marination to ensure it's fully coated.
3) If you’re worried about too much acidity, add lime juice gradually and taste the marinade as you go. You can always adjust the lime or add a little more oil if it's too tart.
4) Don't forget to add honey. It helps to balance the overall flavour in your marinade.