Cilantro Lime Chicken (Oven-Baked)

What You Will Need

Ingredient List

For this recipe, fresh ingredients are essential here—dried cilantro or jarred garlic just won’t deliver the same punch. Here’s what you will need for this recipe:

• Chicken: My personal preference is skinless chicken thighs. I don’t recommend using chicken breast as it’s very easy to dry out.
• Cilantro (Coriander): Fresh cilantro wash and dry. We use both leaves and stems.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is preferred.
• Lime: Fresh lime is the way to go—skip the bottled stuff.

• Olive oil: I use olive oil, you can also use any type of neutral-flavored oil.
• Spices and herbs: I use a combination of onion powder, ground cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to give the dish a base flavor profile. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes for heat, or leave it out if you can’t tolerate spicy food at all.
  

How To Make

Instruction

1. Make the Marinade (Use an immersion blender or blender): Add olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, cilantro (roughly chopped), salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
2. Blend everything together until smooth.

3. In a large mixing bowl, add the marinade sauce to the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours. Don’t marinate for much longer than 4 hours—the acidity of the lime juice can actually start to break down the proteins and make the texture mushy if left too long.

5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup. Arrange the chicken in a single layer without overlapping, then bake for 20 minutes.
6. After 20 minutes, take out the tray and transfer the chicken onto a plate. Once the time is up, check your chicken (the thickest part) with an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro. Enjoy!

What To Serve With

One of the reasons this dish is so beloved is its incredible versatility. Here are my favorite ways to serve it:

Rice and Grains

Cilantro Lime Rice is the natural partner. Cook jasmine rice according to package directions, then fluff with fresh cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. The flavors mirror the chicken perfectly.

Jasmine Rice provides a light, floral base that soaks up all those delicious juices.

Quinoa offers a protein-packed, nutty alternative that works beautifully with the bright chicken flavors.

Vegetables

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes provide a crispy, savory counterpoint to the tangy chicken.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes bring caramelized sweetness that balances the acidity of the lime.

Oven-Roasted Asparagus is light, fresh, and cooks in the same time frame as the chicken.

Salads

I always turn leftover chicken into a Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad with mixed greens, avocado, tomatoes, corn, and feta.

Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad with crisp lettuce, black beans, fresh veggies, and crunchy tortilla chips.

Bowls and Wraps

Build Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls with a base of rice, topped with black beans, corn, guacamole, and a drizzle of chipotle sauce. Or you can serve in tacos with your favorite toppings.

Meal Prep and Storage

This recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Refrigerator Storage: Store cooked cilantro lime chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer Storage: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Cover and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Meal Prep Bowls: Divide the chicken among containers with cilantro lime rice, black beans, and vegetables for grab-and-go lunches all week. Add fresh avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

Make-Ahead Marinade: The marinade can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before adding the chicken.

Try this recipe tonight and let the compliments roll in! 🍤❤️ Share your creations on the comment section with your photos! We’d love to see your delicious results!