Grilled Lime Cilantro Chicken (Printable)

Juicy chicken marinated in lime and cilantro, grilled and served with a colorful corn and black bean salad.

# What You Need:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For the Corn and Black Bean Salad

10 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 1 1/2 cups cooked corn kernels
12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
14 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
16 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
18 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
19 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# How-To:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
02 - Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
03 - In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then season with salt and pepper. Toss until evenly coated and set aside.
04 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
05 - Remove chicken from grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice if desired. Serve grilled chicken alongside corn and black bean salad.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Fresh and Nutrient-Dense: Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, this recipe is packed with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables.
  • Bold Flavor Profile: The citrusy lime marinade infused with cumin and cilantro provides an explosion of Mexican-inspired taste.
  • Quick and Easy: With simple preparation and a fast cook time, it is a foolproof option for busy weeknights or outdoor gatherings.
02 -
  • Let it Rest: Always allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling; this helps the fibers relax and keep the juices inside.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Using freshly squeezed lime juice and fresh cilantro rather than dried or bottled alternatives makes a significant difference in the final brightness of the dish.
  • Consistent Dicing: Cutting the salad ingredients into uniform sizes ensures every bite has a balanced mix of flavors.
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