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Cilantro Lime Chicken with Mango-Avocado Salsa Recipe

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4.4 from 58 reviews

This Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken marinated in a zesty blend of citrus, honey, and spices, grilled to perfection and served with a fresh mango-avocado salsa. Ideal for a healthy and vibrant meal, it pairs wonderfully with cilantro-lime or coconut-lime rice for added depth and freshness.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

  • 1-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 oranges (zested and juiced)
  • 3 limes (zested and juiced)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2-1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For Serving

  • 1 batch mango-avocado salsa
  • Cilantro-lime rice or coconut-lime rice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Citrus Zest and Juice: Zest the orange and lime using a zester to yield 1 teaspoon each of zest. Juice the fruits with a citrus juicer to obtain 3/4 cup orange juice and 1/3 cup lime juice.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange and lime zest and juices, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Set aside 1/2 cup of this marinade for basting.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Trim any fat from the chicken breasts or thighs. Pound the chicken to an even thickness or slice in half for uniform size. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag and pour in the remaining marinade (excluding reserved 1/2 cup). Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 6 hours, flipping the bag halfway through to ensure even marination.
  4. Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Preheat the grill to 450°F (232°C) and lightly oil the grill grates or use a grill pan to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade bag, discarding any leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip the chicken halfway through cooking, generously brushing it with the reserved 1/2 cup marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.
  6. Prepare Salsa and Rice: While the chicken grills, prepare the mango-avocado salsa. Optionally, cook cilantro-lime rice or coconut-lime rice to serve as a flavorful base.
  7. Serve: Serve the grilled cilantro lime chicken over the prepared rice (if using) and top with mango-avocado salsa. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • For alternate cooking methods such as baking or pan-searing, adjust cook times accordingly as outlined in detailed recipe versions.
  • Marinating for longer than 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness, but avoid exceeding 6 hours to prevent texture breakdown.
  • Oiling the grill grates prevents sticking and helps achieve nice grill marks.
  • Reserve some marinade for basting during grilling; do not use marinade that has touched raw chicken for dipping or serving without cooking.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
  • Diet: Halal

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/cilantro-lime-chicken-with-mango-avocado-salsa-recipe/