This cilantro lime hen is juicy, zesty, and filled with taste! Made with easy elements and excellent for the grill or stovetop, it’s a straightforward, versatile protein that’s nice in tacos, bowls, salads, and extra.
I initially threw this cilantro lime hen collectively on a whim—simply mixing up what I had readily available—and it turned out so good I needed to write it down and share it on the weblog!
It’s vibrant, garlicky, and has simply the correct quantity of tang from all that recent lime. Isaac and I often grill it (particularly now that it’s getting hotter outdoors), but it surely additionally cooks up superbly on the stovetop.
We love serving it with white rice and a scoop of my pineapple salsa or grilled candy potatoes for dinner. Then I’ll often repurpose the leftovers right into a protein-packed salad with no matter veggies I’ve within the fridge. It’s so good—I can’t wait so that you can do that one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
For those who’re craving one thing easy, recent, and filled with taste, this hen completely hits the spot. Right here’s why I’m obsessed:
- Flavorful – Lime, cilantro, garlic, and spices come collectively for the right zesty combo.
- Juicy – Hen thighs keep tender and flavorful whether or not you grill or pan-sear them.
- Tremendous versatile – Scrumptious in bowls, tacos, salads, or served along with your favourite sides.
- Nice for meal-prep – Make a batch throughout your weekend prep for fast, high-protein meals all week lengthy.
Substances Wanted
- hen thighs – I like utilizing boneless, skinless hen thighs for further taste and tenderness. You may sub in hen breasts in case you desire, however thighs keep tremendous juicy and are a little bit extra forgiving when cooking.
- olive oil – Helps the marinade stick and provides richness.
- lime juice and lime zest – The true stars of the present. You’ll want two limes to get each juice and zest—this brightens the flavour, provides tang, and helps tenderize the hen.
- cilantro – Freshly chopped cilantro provides that herby, vibrant taste we love.
- garlic – Two cloves, minced. Don’t skimp—it provides a lot depth to the marinade.
- maple syrup – Only a contact to steadiness the acidity and spice. It doesn’t make the hen candy, however helps spherical out all of the flavors. You should use honey as a substitute if that’s what you favor.
- cumin and paprika – Earthy, smoky spices that complement the lime and cilantro superbly.
- salt and pepper – Important for bringing the whole lot collectively.
- pink pepper flakes – Completely optionally available, however I like the little kick they add!
Can I Use Hen Breasts As an alternative of Thighs?
Sure, boneless, skinless hen breasts work nice on this recipe in case you desire them over thighs. Simply remember that breasts are leaner and may dry out extra simply, so that you’ll need to watch your cooking time intently.
On the grill, hen breasts often take about 8–16 minutes relying on thickness. They might want a bit longer on the stovetop. The easiest way to make sure they’re completely cooked is to make use of a meat thermometer—you’re on the lookout for an inside temperature of 165°F within the thickest a part of the breast.
The best way to Make Cilantro Lime Hen (Grill Methodology)
Step 1: Whisk the marinade collectively in a small bowl.
Step 2: In a bowl or zip-lock bag, add the hen and marinade. Marinate for a minimum of half-hour (or as much as 2 hours within the fridge).
Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high warmth (375-450°F). Calmly oil the grates. Take away hen from marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes per facet, or till inside temp reaches 165°F.
Step 4: Let hen relaxation for five minutes, then slice and serve with desired sides.
Brittany’s Ideas for Success!
- Don’t skip the zest! Lime zest provides a punch of taste you simply can’t get from juice alone. It makes an enormous distinction.
- Marinate, however don’t overdo it: half-hour is a lot. Too lengthy and the lime juice can begin to break down the meat an excessive amount of.
- Use a meat thermometer: Hen is completely cooked when it hits 165°F. No guessing wanted!
- Let the hen relaxation: After cooking, let the hen relaxation for five minutes to lock in these juicy flavors.
Serving Options
There are many methods you possibly can serve this cilantro lime hen. I prefer to serve it plain with a facet of rice and roasted veggies for dinner or sliced and added to a salad for lunch. Listed below are a couple of concepts to get you impressed:
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Retailer any leftover cilantro lime hen in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days. It’s good for meal prep—simply slice and add it to bowls, salads, wraps, or tacos all through the week.
You can even freeze cooked hen for as much as 3 months. You’ll want to let it cool fully earlier than transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag.
To reheat, heat gently in a skillet or microwave till heated by. If frozen, thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than reheating.
Regularly Requested Questions
For the most effective taste, marinate the hen for a minimum of half-hour, however now not than 2 hours. Lime juice is acidic and may break down the meat an excessive amount of if left too lengthy.
It pairs completely with rice, grilled greens, pineapple salsa, candy potatoes, or in tacos and salads. See some extra serving options above!
Completely! Bake at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes or till the inner temperature reaches 165°F. You may even broil it for a few minutes on the finish to get that golden colour.
Fashionable Hen Recipes
You’ll want to take a look at all the hen recipes on EBF!
