Half-Lime Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Sauce
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in fresh lime juice and spices, served with a vibrant cilantro sauce for a zesty finish. This Mexican-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh lime juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup (about 4 limes) fresh lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 small, seeded and chopped jalapeño
- 1 tsp honey
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon salt. Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the cilantro sauce by blending 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 small seeded and chopped jalapeño, and 1 teaspoon honey in a food processor until smooth. Set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken breasts from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 4: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve drizzled with the cilantro sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Lime Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-Lime Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Sauce?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh lime juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Lime Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Sauce?
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 Half-Lime Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Sauce 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 Half-Lime Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Sauce?
Mexican 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.
