Boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a delicious marinade made with fresh lime juice, avocado oil, and fresh cilantro.  This cilantro lime chicken freezer meal is a healthy freezer meal for busy weeks.

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Freezer meals are my secret to staying ahead on busy days. While I appreciate the convenience of pre-canned and pre-bottled ingredients occasionally, I prefer freezer meals that use fresh, healthy ingredients to create easy, delicious meals for the hectic weeks ahead. I also prefer making some freezer meals that don’t use a crock pot or an instant pot.  This cilantro lime chicken can kickstart a flavorful meal and can be used in various ways, perfect for your next taco night.

Try this cilantro lime chicken recipe for your next freezer meal prep meal plan.  You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, either way, it’s an easy meal that tastes delicious!

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating tenderizes the chicken breasts, helping to keep them from drying out while infusing them with the vibrant flavors of lime and cilantro.  Just mix up the marinade right in the labeled gallon-sized freezer bag and add the chicken.

QUESTION: HOW LONG CAN YOU MARINATE CHICKEN IN THE FRIDGE BEFORE IT GOES BAD?

Answer: 6-24 hours. It is safe to keep the chicken in the marinade longer, but after two days, the marinade can start to break down the meat fibers, altering its texture.  A great idea is to pull the chicken out to thaw either the night before or in the morning on the day you want to cook it.

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Can You Freeze Cilantro Lime Chicken?

Yes! This recipe is designed as a freezer meal. Place the marinade and chicken in a labeled ziplock freezer bag and freeze for up to 6 months. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge for 6-24 hours before cooking in a cast iron skillet or on the grill. Alternatively, you can marinate and cook the chicken on the same day—just don’t marinate it for more than 24 hours.

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Fresh Ingredients

Please, please, please don’t make this recipe with bottled lime juice or dried cilantro! For the most delicious sauce, use fresh lime juice, fresh lime zest, and fresh cilantro leaves for the best results.  

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Cooking Instructions for Cast Iron

You’ll need a large skillet for this recipe, and I recommend using cast iron.

Preheat your cast iron skillet on medium-low for a few minutes before cooking. This:

1. Ensures even cooking by allowing the heat to distribute properly.
2. Helps prevent food from sticking to the pan.
3. Allows the meat to achieve a nice brown color.

Every kitchen should have a 12″ cast iron skillet. Lodge offers a great one that can last forever if properly cared for. You can also use it to cook perfectly seared steaks. Check out my recipe here.

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Cast Iron Care

Worried about the maintenance? Here’s how we clean ours after each use:

1. Rinse and scrub with hot water and a washcloth. Use a scraper if food is stuck on.
2. Dry with a dish towel or a paper towel if oily, or place it back on the stove on low heat until dry.
3. Occasionally, rub a little oil on it—just a little.

Easy, easy, easy!

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Here are some great options to serve with your Cilantro Lime Chicken Freezer Meal:

Sides

1. Black Beans: Seasoned with cumin, garlic, and onions.
2. 3-Ingredient Mexican Rice: Simple and flavorful with tomatoes, garlic, and onions.
3. Cilantro Lime Rice: Rice cooked with lime juice, lime zest, and fresh cilantro.
4. Refried Beans: Topped with melted cheese.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, seasoned with olive oil and salt.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, and optionally sprinkled with chili powder and lime juice.

Toppings and Accompaniments

1. Cheddar Cheese and Tomatoes: Freshly grated cheddar cheese and diced tomatoes. – This is my personal favorite, it’s so good!
2. Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice.
3. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip with lime, cilantro, onions, and tomatoes.
4. Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a creamy, tangy addition.

Main Dish Combinations

1. Burrito Bowls: Serve over white or brown rice with black beans, corn, salsa, and other taco toppings.
2. Tacos: Use soft flour or corn tortillas, or taco shells, and add your favorite taco toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, and avocado.
3. Burritos: Wrap the chicken in flour tortillas with rice, beans, cheese, and salsa.
4. Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken with additional toppings like shredded carrots and cabbage.
5. Taco Salad: Toss the chicken with lettuce, salsa, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

Additional Garnishes

1. Lime Wedges: For an extra burst of citrus flavor.
2. Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro for garnish.

These suggestions provide a range of options from simple sides to complete meals, all complementing the flavors of the cilantro lime chicken.

How to store Cilantro Chicken leftovers:

Store leftover grilled cilantro lime chicken in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

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