Honey Lime Cilantro Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe
This Honey Lime Cilantro Marinated Grilled Chicken recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful twist on classic grilled chicken. Marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, honey, cilantro, and a blend of spices, the chicken becomes tender and infused with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and herbaceous flavors. Ideal for a fresh summer meal or any time you crave a quick and healthy grilled dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add all marinade ingredients (olive oil, honey, brown sugar, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, kosher salt, cumin, and coriander) into a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Seal the bag securely and use your hands to press and gently shake it to thoroughly mix the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the trimmed chicken breasts into the bag with the marinade. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 4 hours, up to 8 hours for optimal flavor. Avoid marinating longer than 8-12 hours to prevent a mushy texture caused by the acidity in the lime juice.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear and proper cooking temperature.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side. Cook until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165℉ (74℃), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken tender and moist when sliced and served.
Notes
- Do not marinate the chicken longer than 8-12 hours as the acid in the lime juice can break down the meat excessively, resulting in mushy texture.
- Always grill chicken to an internal temperature of 165℉ for food safety.
- If you don’t have a grill, the chicken can also be cooked on a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- For extra flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime before serving.
