Lime Chicken (marinade - great for grilling!)
Ingredients
- 600-750g / 1.2 - 1.5 lb chicken breasts or boneless thigh
4 pieces
- Zest of 1 lime
zest before juicing
- 4 tbsp lime juice
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
Directions
- 1
- 2
Use fist (or rolling pin!) to pound fat end of chicken breast to about 1.7 cm / 2/3" thickness (not required for thigh).
- 3
Place chicken and Marinade in a ziplock bag, massage to distribute marinade evenly. Place on a plate or bowl and refrigerate for 24 hours (min 12 hrs, max 48 hrs - Note 3)
- 4
Remove chicken, discard Marinade. Cook using one method below.
- 5
To Cook (cooked internal temp 165F/75C)
- 6
STOVE: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook chicken for 3 minutes on each side or until caramelised and golden brown (see video!).
- 7
BBQ: Brush grills with oil and heat to medium high (or medium if your BBQ is strong). Cook chicken for 3 minutes on each side until caramelised (see video!).
- 8
OVEN: Preheat oven to 425F/220C. Bake 15 minutes, then flick broiler/grill on high and grill for 3 minutes to caramelise surface & finish cooking.
- 9
Rest and Serve:
- 10
Transfer chicken to a serving plate, cover loosely with foil and rest for 3 minutes.
- 11
Garnish with extra coriander/cilantro, lime wedges and chilli if desired, then serve!
Lime Chicken (marinade - great for grilling!)
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 65 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving chicken that's bursting with bright, zesty flavor and perfectly caramelized? This Lime Chicken recipe delivers a beautiful depth of flavor, making it a fantastic choice for grilling, pan-frying, or even baking right in your kitchen.
Why This Lime Chicken Recipe Works
The secret to this recipe's irresistible charm lies in its exceptional marinade. It masterfully infuses the chicken with vibrant lime flavors, utilizing both fresh zest and juice. A touch of brown sugar ensures a lovely caramelization on the exterior of your chicken, while the strategic inclusion of fish sauce or soy sauce provides a profound umami depth without lending any overt "Asiany" taste, as promised. It's a clever technique that elevates simple chicken to something truly special.
What to Expect
When you cook this Lime Chicken, you'll be delighted by how tender and juicy each piece remains, all thanks to the marinade's tenderizing effects. The exterior will develop a mouthwatering golden-brown crust, subtly sweet from the caramelized sugar and kissed with a tangy, aromatic lime flavor. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of bright citrus, savory depth, and a hint of garlic, making for a truly satisfying meal. This versatile dish is straightforward to prepare, promising impressive results with minimal effort.
Customization & Variations
This recipe is incredibly adaptable to your pantry and preferences. You can easily swap out the chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer, which also cook up wonderfully juicy. If you don't have fish sauce on hand, soy sauce is a perfect alternative for achieving that rich, savory depth. The finely chopped cilantro is entirely optional, so feel free to omit it if it's not to your taste. While grilling or stove-top cooking is highly recommended for the best char and caramelization, you can certainly bake this chicken if that's more convenient.
Serve this vibrant Lime Chicken as the centerpiece of a simple weeknight dinner or as a star at your next summer barbecue. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of fluffy rice.