Description
This Grilled Garlic-Lime Chicken Breasts recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, and spices. Grilled to juicy perfection, this dish offers a zesty, smoky flavor that is perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1 cup fresh cilantro (packed)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic cloves, ground cumin, seeded and chopped jalapeño, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Blend until the mixture is nearly smooth but retains some texture to add body to the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow container. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor absorption.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grill surface to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess. Discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken has a nicely browned, grilled appearance.
- Rest and serve: Allow the grilled chicken breasts to rest briefly to retain juices before slicing. Serve garnished with additional fresh cilantro and lime wedges as desired for an added burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken a minimum of 2 hours but avoid exceeding 8 hours to prevent the acidic lime juice from breaking down the chicken texture too much.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or even a stovetop skillet can be used as alternatives.
- Adjust the jalapeño quantity to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Leftover grilled chicken makes a great addition to salads, wraps, or tacos.
