Name: Honey Lime Cilantro Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; juice of 2 limes; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 2 cloves garlic (minced or pressed, garlic paste); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed

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If you’re in the mood for chicken that’s bursting with flavor, juicy, and effortlessly impressive, let me tell you about my absolute summer go-to: Honey Lime Cilantro Marinated Grilled Chicken. With bright citrus, sweet honey, and a generous handful of fresh cilantro, this grilled chicken is anything but plain — it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser you’ll want to put on repeat, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner. What makes this dish extra special is how the marinade creates a gorgeous caramelized crust while keeping the chicken impossibly moist — all with just a few simple pantry staples and a couple limes!

Honey Lime Cilantro Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of Honey Lime Cilantro Marinated Grilled Chicken is how you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. Each element brings its own touch — from citrusy tang to herby freshness — making this chicken sing with flavor and color.

Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken and keeps it moist on the grill.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and supports that irresistible caramelized finish.
Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and aids in browning for the perfect grilled crust.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed for the brightest, boldest citrus punch and tenderizes the meat.
Chopped cilantro: Delivers bright color and a signature herby pop — use plenty for maximum freshness.
Garlic: Provides aromatic flavor; minced or crushed for even distribution.
Kosher salt: Key for drawing out flavors and succulent, well-seasoned chicken.
Cumin: Adds gentle warmth and earthiness that complements the other flavors.
Coriander: Gives a subtle citrusy note and rounds out the marinade beautifully.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, they soak up all the marinade magic.

How to Make Honey Lime Cilantro Marinated Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade

Grab your biggest zip-top bag or a medium bowl, and start adding your marinade ingredients one by one: olive oil, honey, brown sugar, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, cumin, and coriander. Give everything a good squish, mix, or shake to make sure things are thoroughly combined — you want those flavors mingling! Don’t forget to squeeze your limes well to get every drop of juice.

Step 2: Prep and Add the Chicken

Trim your chicken breasts, removing any extra fat or uneven pieces for the most appealing result. Add the chicken into the marinade, squeeze out as much air as possible if using a bag, and tightly seal. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Marinate for the Magic

Place the bag or bowl in the fridge and let the chicken absorb all that honey, lime, and cilantro goodness for at least 4 hours. Six to eight hours truly unlocks optimal juiciness and taste. Don’t go over 12 hours; too much lime can break down the chicken and change its texture. I find prepping it in the morning for dinnertime is just perfect.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill each breast for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until you reach that magical 165°F internal temperature. You’ll notice the sugars in the marinade help create those gorgeous grill marks and a golden caramelized surface.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, so every bite of your Honey Lime Cilantro Marinated Grilled Chicken is extra succulent. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness and vibrant presentation.

How to Serve Honey Lime Cilantro Marinated Grilled Chicken

Garnishes

Finish each chicken breast with an extra scatter of fresh chopped cilantro, a wedge of lime on the side, or even a quick sprinkle of flaky sea salt. For a pop of bright color and a little zesty drama, try thinly sliced red onions or rings of fresh jalapeño.

Side Dishes

Pairing is half the fun! Serve your Honey Lime Cilantro Marinated Grilled Chicken with fluffy cilantro-lime rice, crispy roasted potatoes, Mexican street corn, or a zesty mango salsa. Don’t be afraid to pile on grilled veggies for an all-out summer feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the grilled chicken thinly and tuck it into warm tortillas for incredible tacos, or layer over a fresh salad for a protein-packed meal. It’s also delicious sliced onto a big, colorful grain bowl or served alongside avocado and pickled onions for a restaurant-worthy plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Honey Lime Cilantro Marinated Grilled Chicken keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cool the chicken completely before storing in an airtight container. Leftovers are fantastic for topping salads, wraps, or grain bowls for a quick lunch or dinner!

Freezing

You can freeze this grilled chicken after cooking — just let it cool, slice if desired, and pack in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. For the freshest flavor, I like to freeze the cooked chicken in individual portions for last-minute meal prep.

Reheating

To keep things juicy, reheat your leftover chicken gently. Wrap in foil and warm in a 325°F oven, or heat slices in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth. Microwave in short bursts with a damp paper towel for quickest results, but don’t overdo it to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs become wonderfully tender and flavorful in this marinade. Just tweak your grilling time by a few extra minutes per side, as thighs are a bit thicker than breasts.

Is there a way to make this spice level hotter?

Yes — stir some freshly sliced or chopped jalapeños into the marinade for more heat, or sprinkle with chili flakes right before serving. The honey and lime make the perfect counterpoint to a little bit of spice.

Can I cook the marinated chicken indoors?

Of course! If you don’t have access to a grill, use a grill pan or cast iron skillet on the stovetop. You’ll still get delicious caramelization and char, especially if you resist flipping too soon.

What’s the best way to get the most juice out of my limes?

Before cutting, roll each lime firmly on the countertop with your palm. This releases more juice and makes squeezing easier. If you have a citrus juicer, you’ll get every last drop!

How long can I marinate Honey Lime Cilantro Marinated Grilled Chicken?

It’s best to marinate for at least four hours and up to eight for maximum flavor. Try not to exceed twelve hours, as the acid in lime can start breaking down the meat, resulting in a mushy texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that balances simple prep with maximum flavor, this Honey Lime Cilantro Marinated Grilled Chicken is the answer. It’s always a hit with friends and family, and I can’t wait for you to taste how the sweet, tangy, and herby flavors come together. Fire up the grill and give it a try — it might just become your new signature chicken recipe!