Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This lime marinated grilled chicken is bursting with fresh citrus flavor and a hint of sweetness. Perfectly tender and juicy, it’s an easy recipe that brightens up any meal with minimal effort. Whether grilled, pan-fried, or baked, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 600-750g (1.2 – 1.5 lb) chicken breasts (4 pieces) or boneless thighs
• Zest of 1 lime (zest before juicing)
• 4 tbsp lime juice (from 1 – 2 limes)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro/coriander (optional)
• 1 tbsp fish sauce or 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 – 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

1. Step 1: If using chicken breasts, gently pound the thicker end to about 1.7 cm (2/3 inch) thickness using a fist or rolling pin. This is not necessary for boneless thighs.
2. Step 2: Combine lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, brown sugar, pepper, olive oil, cilantro, and fish sauce (or soy sauce) in a bowl to create the marinade.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken pieces and marinade into a ziplock bag. Massage the bag gently to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours and up to 48 hours for best flavor.
4. Step 4: Remove chicken from the bag, discard the marinade.
5. Step 5: To cook on the stove, heat 1-2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until caramelized and golden brown.
6. Step 6: To cook on a BBQ, brush grill grates with oil and heat to medium-high (or medium if your grill is very hot). Cook chicken for 3 minutes per side until nicely caramelized.
7. Step 7: To cook in the oven, preheat to 425°F (220°C). Bake the chicken for 15 minutes, then switch on the broiler/grill on high and broil for 3 minutes to caramelize the surface and finish cooking.
8. Step 8: Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 3 minutes.
9. Step 9: Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and chili if you like, then serve.

Tips & Variations

• Marinating for at least 12 hours enhances flavor, but avoid going beyond 48 hours to prevent texture changes.
• Use boneless thighs for a juicier option with less prep time—no pounding needed.
• Substitute fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh sliced chili to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• If you don’t have fresh lime, use bottled lime juice, but fresh is best for brightness.

Storage

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to maintain juiciness. Leftover chicken works great in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless thighs are a great alternative and cook similarly. Bone-in pieces will require longer cooking times and may not absorb marinade as evenly.

What if I don’t have fish sauce?

You can easily substitute fish sauce with soy sauce without sacrificing much flavor. For a milder taste, reduce the amount slightly.

Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 104 reviews

This Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs marinated overnight in a zesty lime and garlic marinade with hints of sweetness and umami. The chicken can be cooked on the stovetop, grill, or in the oven to achieve a flavorful caramelized exterior. This versatile dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or weekend barbecue, served with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a bright finish.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-21 minutes (depends on cooking method)
• Total Time: 24 hours 25 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American, Fusion

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 600–750g / 1.2 – 1.5 lb chicken breasts (4 pieces) or boneless thigh (see note 1)

Marinade

• Zest of 1 lime (zest before juicing)
• 4 tbsp lime juice (from 1 – 2 limes)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro/coriander (optional)
• 1 tbsp fish sauce or 2 tbsp soy sauce (see note 2)

For Cooking

• 1 – 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

1. Pound the chicken: Use your fist or a rolling pin to gently pound the thick end of each chicken breast to about 1.7 cm (2/3″) thickness. This step is unnecessary if using boneless thighs.
2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a ziplock bag with the marinade ingredients. Massage the bag to evenly coat the chicken with the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, preferably 24 hours, but no more than 48 hours for best flavor and texture.
3. Prepare to cook: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Pat the chicken dry slightly to prevent excess moisture during cooking.
4. Cooking options: Choose one method:
   – Stovetop: Heat 1-2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for about 3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and golden brown.
   – BBQ/Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with oil. Grill chicken for 3 minutes per side until caramelized.
   – Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake chicken for 15 minutes, then switch to broiler/grill mode on high and cook an additional 3 minutes to caramelize the surface.
5. Rest the chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate and loosely cover with foil. Allow it to rest for 3 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
6. Garnish and serve: Garnish with extra chopped cilantro/coriander, lime wedges, and chili if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Note 1: Pounding chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tenderness but is unnecessary if using boneless thighs which tend to be more uniform in thickness.
• Note 2: Fish sauce adds authentic umami flavor; soy sauce is a mild vegetarian alternative.
• Note 3: Marinating for a minimum of 12 hours is recommended for flavor absorption. Do not marinate beyond 48 hours to avoid chicken texture becoming mushy.

Keywords: lime marinated chicken, grilled chicken, chicken breasts, easy chicken recipe, backyard barbecue, lime garlic chicken