Grilled Peruvian-Style Chicken with Cilantro-Lime Marinade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken marinated in a zesty cilantro-lime sauce inspired by Peruvian flavors. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends (about 1.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, packed leaves fresh cilantro into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender or food processor, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup lime juice, 4 garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp honey. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 bone-in chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the cilantro-lime marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crisp and charred in spots.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with extra lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Peruvian-Style Chicken with Cilantro-Lime Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Peruvian-Style Chicken with Cilantro-Lime Marinade?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Peruvian-Style Chicken with Cilantro-Lime Marinade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Peruvian-Style Chicken with Cilantro-Lime Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Peruvian-Style Chicken with Cilantro-Lime Marinade?

Latin American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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