I have many recipes for lime cilantro chicken, including this Grilled Lime Cilantro Chicken. I was running short on time when I made this and didn’t have time to marinate chicken to grill it so decided to make this baked version of lime cilantro chicken. It’s a spinoff of my recent Perfect 20-Minute Baked Chicken Breasts recipe, which you all went crazy for, so I decided to take that idea and run with it and created this Mexican-inspired flavor profile. The lime cilantro flavor really shines through along with plenty of chile powder and cumin for extra depth of flavor. The chicken is tender, juicy, moist, easy, ready in a half hour from start to finish, and best of all, made on one sheet pan. Cleanup is as easy as tossing away a sheet of foil.
Ingredients for This Recipe
For the baked chicken and homemade spice rub, you only need a few common ingredients:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts Olive oil Brown sugar Chili powder Cumin Paprika Garlic powder Cayenne pepper, optional but recommended Lime juice Fresh cilantro
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Bake Cilantro Lime Chicken Breasts
Ideas for Repurposing Leftovers
This cilantro lime chicken recipe makes 3 pounds of chicken. Yes, that’s quite a bit but it’s great to keep this leftover chicken in your fridge to throw over salads in the upcoming days. Since it’s already got plenty of Mexican-inspired flavor, it would be great in tacos, burritos, chilaquiles, or just on its own with a side of roasted veggies, you name it.
Storage Instructions
Leftover baked chicken will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.
More Mexican-Inspired Chicken Recipes:
ALL OF MY EASY CHICKEN RECIPES! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas — These EASY and flavorful chicken carnitas are seasoned with Mexican spices, citrus juices, chipotle peppers in adobo and slow-cooked to PERFECTION! Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken with Pepper Jack — The EASIEST salsa verde marinade keeps this chicken so juicy and tender!! Melted pepper Jack cheese on top takes an already awesome piece of chicken and makes it that much BETTER!! 25-Minute Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas — EASY, ready in no time, tastes AUTHENTIC, and made on ONE sheet pan to keep things simple – especially on busy nights!! Who needs a Mexican restaurant when you can make fajitas this GOOD and healthier at home! Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas — EASY juicy enchiladas with so much flavor from the salsa verde and TONS of melted CHEESE!! Ready in 30 minutes, are made with just a handful of ingredients, and will be an instant family favorite! Salsa Verde Chicken Chilaquiles — An EASY comfort food recipe with just FOUR main ingredients and ready in 30 minutes!! Green chilaquiles are made with layers of corn tostadas and juicy chicken smothered in salsa verde and melted pepper Jack cheese! Loaded Chicken Taco Salad — Fast, EASY, fresh and fabulous! All your favorite taco flavors in one big kickin’ salad that everyone will LOVE! Juicy taco seasoned chicken, tomatoes, corn, black beans, shredded cheese, and more with homemade creamy lime cilantro dressing to top it all! Originally posted July 6, 2020 and reposted April 19, 2024 with updated text.
