Zesty Keto Cilantro Lime Chicken

A vibrant, low-carb chicken dish bursting with fresh citrus and herbs

KEY INFO

Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ marinating)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Diet: Keto, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo, Whole30

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet or oven-proof skillet
Meat thermometer
Citrus juicer (optional)

INGREDIENTS

For the Chicken

2 lbs (900g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless [Sub: chicken breasts for leaner option]
3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil [Sub: avocado oil]
4 limes, juiced (about 1/2 cup/120ml)
1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin (optional)

For Garnish

Extra cilantro leaves
Lime wedges
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Raw chicken thighs on a white ceramic platter with fresh limes, cilantro, and garlic cloves in a modern kitchen with green subway tiles and stainless steel appliances, shot from above in soft natural daylight.

METHOD

Combine olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin in a large bowl.
Add chicken thighs and coat thoroughly Ensure each piece is well-covered.

Chicken thighs marinating in glass bowl in modern kitchen with green subway tile backsplash, copper cookware, and daylight streaming in from window.

Marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours Don’t exceed 4 hours as lime juice can toughen meat.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Marinated chicken thighs on a stainless steel baking sheet in a modern kitchen with white marble countertops, green subway tile backsplash, and warm, earthy color grading.

Place chicken on baking sheet, discard excess marinade.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Perfectly cooked chicken thighs on a baking sheet in a modern kitchen with white marble countertops, green subway tile backsplash, and copper pots hanging in the background

Optional: Broil for final 2-3 minutes for crispy edges.
Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

CRUCIAL TIPS

Bring chicken to room temperature before cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
Pat chicken dry if grilling to prevent flare-ups.
Use fresh limes – bottled juice lacks brightness.

STORAGE & VARIATIONS

Storage:

Refrigerate up to 4 days.
Freeze up to 3 months.

Common Mistakes:

Over-marinating (makes meat mushy).
Overcrowding pan (causes steaming instead of browning).
Using cold chicken straight from fridge.

Variations:

Grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side.
Air fry at 380°F for 15-18 minutes.
Add jalapeños for heat.
Include Mexican oregano for authentic flavor.

Grilled chicken thighs garnished with cilantro and lime on a white platter, in a modern kitchen with green subway tile and warm lighting

This recipe yields juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for meal prep or a family dinner. Serve with cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal.

https://www.ketofocus.com/recipes/cilantro-lime-chicken/