Description
This Garlic Lime Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lime, garlic, and spices, then grilled or pan-seared to perfection. It’s a flavorful Mexican-inspired main course that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to fully develop.
- Preheat your cooking surface. Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook the chicken. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess liquid. Place chicken breasts on the preheated grill or pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Serve. Slice the chicken if desired, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred; they will remain juicy and flavorful.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, grilled vegetables, or served in soft tacos for a casual meal.
- For enhanced flavor, reserve a small portion of the marinade before adding raw chicken and drizzle it over the cooked chicken.
