Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken is full of the bright fresh flavors of summer. Cook it quickly in a skillet or throw it on the grill for a fast dinner!
Combine the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and some freshly cracked pepper (about 10 cranks of a pepper mill) in a small bowl.
Zest one of the limes and then squeeze the juice. You'll need 2-3 Tbsp juice, so if needed, juice half of the second lime. Cut the remaining lime into wedges to garnish the chicken once cooked. Roughly chop the cilantro.
Add 1 tsp of the lime zest, 2-3 Tbsp of the lime juice, and half of the chopped cilantro to the marinade. Stir to combine. (The remaining cilantro will be added fresh after cooking the chicken.)
Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a large zip top bag. Add the marinade and toss the chicken to coat. Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes or up to 8 hours (refrigerated), turning it once or twice as it marinates.
When ready to cook the chicken, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until well browned and cooked through. My chicken had enough of an oil coating from the marinade that I did not need to add any extra to the skillet.
Top the cooked chicken with more fresh cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve with any extra lime wedges.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 238.82 kcal
Carbohydrates: 3.42 g
Protein: 22.63 g
Fat: 16.28 g
Sodium: 340.73 mg
Reviews
Malinda on 2026-06-16 (5 stars): I hate coriander but I love this recipe! I served it with seasoned black beans + corn, garlic rice, and some sour cream. Chili crisp goes so well with it too.
Rebecca on 2026-06-14 (5 stars): I made this last night for dinner and it was fantastic! So good I am going to make more today!
Laura on 2026-04-07 (5 stars): So amazing! I’ve made this twice as written and both times have loved it. Thanks for another great recipe!
Julia on 2025-07-02 (5 stars): Fabulous recipe! Added sliced avocado, diced tomato and sour cream on the side.
Lin Lin on 2025-06-02 (5 stars): Super yummy and simple to do. Going to try this sauce with fish 😍
Christine on 2025-05-04 (5 stars): Great quick marinade. I served this chicken in burrito bowls with rice, black beans, lettuce, tomato & avocado. Leftovers made amazing meal prep for the week.
Kathy Holley on 2025-01-11 (5 stars): This was crazy good! Easy and quick. I cut the chicken in bite size pieces. After I removed the chicken, I added a little chicken stock to the frying pan for a sauce, and served it over rice. I will be making this for family and friends. Thank you so much for this recipe.
Cynthia G Mueller on 2024-06-30 (5 stars): Delicious!! I was asked to make it again and will do it. I did add some onion to the marinade.
Becky H on 2024-06-18 (5 stars): Delicious, simple dinner. I made this tonight and served it with green beans. It was a big hit.
Cat on 2024-01-22 (5 stars): Great flavor, used chicken breast strips instead and probably will add a dash more cumin next time(just a personal flavor preference). Served with basmati and a quick tomato salad.
Caitlin O'Leary on 2023-06-29 (5 stars): This was really good. I served it with riced cauliflower and corn. Wondering what other people serve it with?
Lacey on 2023-04-18 (5 stars): Phenomenal recipe !!!
ASHRAF on 2023-02-02 (5 stars): I WILL TRY . HOPE ITS DELICIOUS
Noel on 2022-11-13 (5 stars): Nah it'll be fine. Been doing this for years and, as a side note, been a scientist for over a decade as well... then again I grew up in the 90s so I still eat raw brownie dough. Safe for 35+ years now.
Mikel on 2022-09-05 (5 stars): Great and easy to make. will definitely do this one again. served with basmati and a creamy cilantro cold sauce....