This Zesty Lime-Cilantro Chicken Marinade delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. Perfect for grilling or adding to a Mexican rice bowl, it transforms any meal into a flavorful experience that your family will love. Whether served with fresh veggies or nestled atop fluffy rice, this marinade makes every bite a delight!

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Marinade Time: Minimum 1 Hour

• Ingredients
• Instructions

Ingredients

• 1 pound of chicken breasts
• 1 cup of olive oil
• ½ cup of lime juice
• ¼ cup of shallot
• 2 cloves of garlic
• ¼ cup of fresh cilantro finely chopped
• 1 tbsp of chile powder
• 1 tsp of salt
• ½ tsp of cumin

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chopped shallot, minced garlic, cilantro, chili powder, salt, and cumin until well combined.

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about ½ inch. This ensures even cooking and helps tenderize the meat.

Place the tenderized chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-4 hours for maximum flavor. For an even more intense flavor, marinate overnight.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill, bake, or pan-sear until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), discarding any leftover marinade.