Name: Easy Lime Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Lime wedges; Chopped fresh cilantro

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If you’re in search of a zesty, crowd-pleasing dish that practically melts in your mouth, this Easy Lime Chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. Bursting with citrusy tang and savory spices, this recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a colorful, flavorful main course your family will crave again and again. Grilled to juicy perfection and kissed with fresh lime, every bite promises a little trip to sunny Mexico—no passport required! Whether you serve it with rice, tuck it into tacos, or pile it over a crunchy salad, Easy Lime Chicken will brighten up even the busiest days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All it takes are a handful of lively, wholesome ingredients to create a flavorful summer-inspired dish any time of year. Each one plays a starring role, working together to deliver bold flavor, vibrant color, and delicious aroma in every bite.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Reliable, tender, and lean—they’re the perfect canvas for a punchy marinade!
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes): Definitely go for fresh here, as bottled juice just can’t match the bright, tangy flavor that makes this dish shine.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade beautifully coat the chicken.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic packs a savory punch that’s irresistible once it hits the grill.
1 teaspoon honey: Lends a subtle sweetness and helps balance the acidity of the lime.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings just the right amount of warmth and color to the party.
1/2 teaspoon cumin: Offers a gentle, earthy backbone that gives the dish depth.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for drawing out flavor and perfectly seasoning each bite.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of subtle, peppery heat that ties everything together.
Lime wedges and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): A sprinkling of cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime makes the final dish pop with freshness and color.

How to Make Easy Lime Chicken

Step 1: Whisk the Marinade

Grab a small bowl and whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. The fragrance alone will get your taste buds dancing! This quick whisk ensures every drop of the marinade has that bold, citrusy punch you’re after.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts in a resealable freezer bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal (or cover, if using a dish), then work the marinade into the chicken by massaging or turning to coat well. Pop the chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—though if you have the time, letting it soak up the flavors for up to 4 hours is even better. This step is where the magic happens: the lime and spices tenderize the chicken and infuse it with irresistible zing.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

About 10 minutes before you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures gorgeous grill marks and keeps the chicken juicy inside. Don’t forget to oil the grates or the pan lightly—just enough so the Easy Lime Chicken doesn’t stick.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Lay the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until each breast is beautifully charred and reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). The honey in the marinade helps caramelize the surface a bit, locking in flavor and letting those grill marks shine. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for just five minutes—trust me, this tiny pause ensures every slice stays juicy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

To finish off your Easy Lime Chicken, scatter fresh chopped cilantro over the top and add a few lime wedges on the side. This last touch brings out the brightness of the lime and adds a burst of color that looks gorgeous at the table.

How to Serve Easy Lime Chicken

Garnishes

A dish this vibrant deserves a festive finish! Sprinkle with plenty of fresh cilantro and tuck a few lime wedges on the plate for everyone to squeeze over at the table. If you love a spicy kick, try adding thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra flair.

Side Dishes

Easy Lime Chicken pairs perfectly with just about anything. A scoop of fluffy rice, a bright corn salad, or some sautéed veggies turn it into a well-rounded meal. For a lighter touch, toss it with a crisp green salad or pile it into warm tortillas with all your favorite taco toppings.

Creative Ways to Present

This chicken loves a little versatility! Slice and fan it out over a platter for family-style dining, chop it up for filling meal prep bowls, or dice it to top nachos or flatbreads. The zingy flavor transforms any weeknight dinner—or even a backyard potluck—into an occasion worth celebrating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Lime Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge, making it a meal prep superstar. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh and juicy for up to 4 days—perfect for salads, wraps, or easy reheating later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for a rainy day, wrap the cooked chicken tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor. The limy marinade holds up well and keeps the chicken from drying out even after defrosting.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze: warm the chicken gently in the microwave (covered, to trap in moisture) or on the stovetop over low heat. For a little extra freshness, add a spritz of lime juice before serving. Avoid overcooking during reheating so your Easy Lime Chicken stays perfectly tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work really well and stay extra juicy on the grill. Just adjust the cook time slightly—thighs may take an extra minute or two per side.

Is Easy Lime Chicken spicy?

This recipe is more zesty than spicy. The chili powder adds warmth, not heat. If you want more kick, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the marinade.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Yes! Arrange the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 18 to 22 minutes, or until cooked through. Broil for a minute at the end for a lightly charred finish.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor and texture, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. Letting it sit too long (over 8 hours) can actually start to break down the chicken and make it mushy because of the lime juice.

What’s the best way to use leftovers?

Leftovers are incredibly versatile! Slice Easy Lime Chicken for salads, tacos, or sandwiches, or cube it and toss with rice bowls. You can even shred it and stir into enchilada fillings or soups for a citrusy pop.

Final Thoughts

If you love easy, flavor-packed meals that impress with minimal effort, you’ll want to put Easy Lime Chicken on regular rotation. With its vibrant marinade and incredible versatility, it’s a dish that brings a little extra sunshine to any table. Give it a try soon—your taste buds will thank you!

Easy Lime Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Lime Chicken recipe is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a quick and delicious meal. The zesty lime marinade paired with grilled chicken creates a juicy and tender main course that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Lime Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish (optional):

Lime wedges
Chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or dish, pour the marinade over the chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a plate, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro if desired.