Grilled Chile-Cilantro-Lime Chicken: A Flavorful Delight
Spice up your meal times with this Grilled Chile-Cilantro-Lime Chicken, a dish that perfectly balances salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Whether you enjoy it on a salad, with a side of rice, or wrapped in a burrito, this easy recipe will quickly become a staple. The focus keyphrase, cilantro lime chicken marinade, is essential to this dish’s tangy and aromatic promise.
Yield: Deliciously Satisfying for Four
Cooking Process: Prep: 10 mins, Cook: 10 mins, Additional: 35 mins, Total: 55 mins. Servings: 4, Yield: 4 chicken breasts
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Chicken Marinade
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lime, zested
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions: How to Prepare Grilled Chile-Cilantro-Lime Chicken
- In a medium bowl, combine fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, lime zest, salt, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and ground cumin. Stir the marinade until well blended.
- Place the chicken breasts into a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
- Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated by turning it over in the marinade. Cover the dish, and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining liquid.
- Place the chicken on the grill. Cook each side for about 5 minutes, or until the juices run clear, marking a complete grill of around 10 minutes in total.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
The Health Benefits of Cilantro Lime Chicken Marinade Ingredients
Lime juice, a key ingredient in the cilantro lime chicken marinade, is rich in vitamin C, boosting your immune system. Incorporating cilantro, not only adds freshness but also provides antioxidants. Similarly, the use of olive oil introduces healthy fats, promoting heart health while keeping the dish light. However, consuming garlic can help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, making it a perfect fit in this nutritious recipe.
Healthier Cooking Options for the Health-Conscious
Although grilling is already a healthy cooking method, you could opt to use an air fryer instead of a traditional grill to further reduce potential carcinogens found in grilled meats. Additionally, using fresh herbs and spices, such as cilantro, lime zest, and red pepper flakes, increases the flavor while maintaining a healthy dish.
Why Grilled Chile-Cilantro-Lime Chicken Is a Must-Try
This delightful Grilled Chile-Cilantro-Lime Chicken is not only about remarkable taste. Therefore, it serves as a nutritious dish that fits perfectly into a balanced diet. Resulting in a deliciously healthy dinner in under an hour, this dish is both quick and easy, perfect for those busy weeknights. Furthermore, it’s versatile, pairing well with salads, grains, and wraps. Try this recipe today, and above all, enjoy the irresistible taste of this tempting cilantro lime chicken marinade delight!