Description
🌮 This Simple and Fast Mexican Shredded Chicken recipe bursts with fresh, zesty flavors thanks to a vibrant cilantro and lime marinade.
⏱️ Ready in just 10 minutes of active cooking, it offers a quick, delicious solution for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems)
1/3 cup fresh lime juice (from about 3 limes)
1/4 cup light olive oil (or canola/vegetable oil as alternatives)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt)
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts/thighs cut into bite-sized pieces)
Instructions
1. Blend cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, oregano, chili powder, onion powder, and black pepper until finely chopped and combined.
2. Place chicken in a storage bag or container; pour marinade over and coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (450-500°F). Lightly oil the grates.
4. Grill chicken: 6-7 minutes per side if whole, or 8-10 minutes total if in bite-sized pieces, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Remove chicken, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Alternative stovetop method: Cook bite-sized chicken pieces in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until cooked through.
Notes
🌿 Use boneless skinless thighs for moist, tender results; breasts or rotisserie chicken can also be used.
🔥 Cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces shortens cooking time for faster meals.
🍋 Always use fresh lime juice for the best bright flavor in the marinade.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Marinating time: 2-24 hours
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes (whole) or 8-10 minutes (bite-sized)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0.3-6 g (depending on additions)
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg