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Watch: How to make this Lime CILANTRO Chicken Recipe
Lime Chicken you will LOVE
If know people who can’t stand cilantro, studies show it is actually a genetic predisposition! All those haters out there (4-14% of the population) who insist cilantro tastes like, soap, dirt or bugs actually have a gene called OR6A2 that enables them to smell certain unpleasant chemicals, one of which is E-(2)-Decenal, a primary constituent of cilantro. The rest of us who can’t detect aldehyde chemicals are left with the pleasant aroma of fresh, zesty, citrusy cilantro. Sometimes not knowing is better :). So for the cilantro lovers, this Cilantro Lime Chicken is for you. It joins the cast of my other Mexican inspired marinades of Chipotle Chicken and Chili Lime Chicken, and this my friends, is a keeper. Its tangy, garlicky with just the right kick of spice and is healthy and versatile too. You’ll also want to check out my Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa that were inspired by this sensational chicken.
Cilantro Lime Chicken ingredients
Chicken: Either boneless chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs will both work in this recipe. Cilantro: Use one cup loosely packed cilantro, including both the leaves and stems. There is no need to chop before adding to the food processor. Olive oil: Use quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Lime juice: Please use fresh lime juice for this recipe! I like to freeze extra lime and lemon juice by the 1 tablespoon ice cubes so it is always handy. Garlic: Peel four garlic cloves before adding to the food processor. You may use more or less as desired. Seasonings: The chicken is seasoned with chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, ground coriander, salt and pepper. If you do not have coriander stocked, it’s okay to skip it.
Lime Chicken Recipe variations
Use different cuts of chicken. Choose from chicken breasts, bone-in chicken breasts, boneless chicken thighs, or bone-in chicken thighs. I recommend removing the skin for either bone-in thighs or breast. The cooking time will slightly vary between cuts of chicken. Swap cilantro: Use the same cooking method but swap the cilantro for parsley and the lime juice for lemon juice. With this combo, you can also add other herbs such as fresh basil, dill, and tarragon. Spice it up. Make the Cilantro Lime Chicken spicy by adding additional cayenne pepper. Skewers. Make chicken kabobs by threading chicken onto skewers. You can also add vegetables and/or pineapple. Swap seasoning. Use the same cooking technique but mix up the flavor profile by using your favorite spice mix such as Old Bay Seasoning, Cajun Seasonings or Taco Seasoning.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken
This Cilantro Lime Chicken starts with a marinade bursting with simple, fresh aromatic ingredients. We add our 1 cup loosely packed cilantro (stems and all), plenty of garlic, lime juice, olive oil and then our fiestalicious seasonings to a food processor and process until chopped fine. Reserve 2 tablespoons for basting and the rest bathes your chicken for 2 hours up to 10 – the longer the marinating time, the bigger the flavor. You can grill or pan fry this Cilantro Lime Chicken, so is fresh and summery flavor can be devoured year round. And you are going to want to devour this tangy, savory, garlicky goodness year round especially in this Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad with Baja Catalina Dressing!
Can I make this Lime Chicken Recipe with chicken thighs?
You can use chicken breasts or chicken thighs for this Cilantro Lime Chicken – totally your preference. The dark meat of chicken thighs will always be more tender but with this glorious marinade, chickens breasts also emerge incredibly juicy.
How to serve this Lime Cilantro Chicken Recipe
If you are reading this post, then you are probably a cilantro lover which means you are going to LOVE this Cilantro Lime Chicken! Serve this fiesta chicken with Cilantro Lime Rice,or Mexican Rice, Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing or Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Lime Butter, Southwest Salad with Creamy Avocado Salsa Dressing or Southwest Orzo Salad with Chipotle Honey Lime Vinaigrette and you have a fabulous fiesta meal in your very own home! Additionally, this Cilantro Lime Chicken makes fabulous chicken for burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, enchiladas, and of course salads! Serve Cilantro Lime Chicken plain with sides such as rice, pineapple and veggies or enjoy it in salads, tacos, burritos, bowls, etc. Here are a few ideas:
Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad: See my wildly popular Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad for inspiration. Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos or Lettuce Wraps: Pile chopped chicken in tortillas or bib lettuce and top with mango salsa, pineapple salsa, corn salsa, or black bean and corn salsa and avocado crema. Cilantro Lime Chicken Quesadillas: Sandwich chicken, Monterrey Jack cheese and black beans in between two flour tortillas and toast in a skillet to golden, cheesy perfection. Serve with pineapple salsa or pico de gallo, salsa, and guacamole. Cilantro Lime Chicken Burritos: Layer a burrito size tortilla with cilantro lime rice or pineapple rice, black or pinto beans, chicken, guacamole, sour cream, pineapple salsa or mango salsa. Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Bowls: Layer cilantro lime rice or pineapple rice with black beans, chicken, chopped lettuce, crushed tortilla chips, pineapple or mango salsa and Tomatillo Avocado Ranch or Cilantro Lime Dressing. Cilantro Lime Chicken Grain Bowls: Add your favorite grains to a bowl and pile with chicken and your favorite veggies. I enjoy a combination of roasted veggies like sweet potatoes and cauliflower with fresh veggies such as cucumbers, sprouts etc. Cilantro Lime Chicken Tostadas: Layer a tostada with refried beans or avocado mash, top with chicken, lettuce, avocados, sour cream, cotija cheese or queso fresco etc. and pineapple salsa or mango salsa. Cilantro Lime Chicken Nachos: Pile thick restaurant style tortilla chips with cheese and beans and bake. Top with chicken and toppings such as jalapenos, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and pineapple or mango salsa.
How to store Lime Chicken
Store cooked lime chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw before enjoying or reheating.
LOOKING FOR MORE EASY CHICKEN MARINADES?
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