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Home » Recipes » Chicken » Pollo al Cilantro + VIDEO

Pollo al Cilantro + VIDEO

Last Updated July 23, 2020. Originally Posted July 24, 2020 By Maggie Unzueta

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pollo al Cilantro takes your dinner to a whole new level. Tender and delicious chicken marinated in a citrus cilantro dressing. It has tons of flavor and is perfect for the grill. 
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Pollo al Cilantro (Cilantro Chicken) served on a decorative plate next to a green salad.

Pollo al Cilantro (Cilantro Chicken) served on a decorative plate next to a green salad.

Pollo Al Cilantro is a total winner!

I seriously make this all the time. It’s so SUPER EASY. The marinade is yummy and very versatile.

I like to coat veggies with it and grill them up along with the chicken.

This is such an easy recipe. Perfect for the grill, but you can also make it on the stove too.

Serve with a salad or rice and veggies and enjoy!

More Mexican Chicken Recipes:


Milanesa de Pollo
Pollo Adobado
Pollo a la Diabla
Pollo en Crema Chipotle

The ingredients needed to make the recipe labeled and on a wooden surface.

These are all the ingredients that you will need.

Note: we will be turning the lime into lime juice. You can also use the lime juice that is in a bottle.

Here, we’re using boneless chicken thighs, but you can use any cut of chicken. Just know that you will need to adjust the cooking time.

A collage showing how to make the marinade.

How to Make It

  • To make the marinade, add the garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to a small bowl.
  • Mix to combine.

You can also use 1 tspn garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.

This is dried Mexican oregano. Crumble it in your fingers before adding.

Or, use ¼ tspn ground oregano. Both work great in this recipe!

A collage showing how to add the olive oil to the ingredients for the marinade.

  • Add the cilantro and lime juice.
  • Slowly add the olive oil while mixing with a whisk.

Use the marinade right away. Or, store for another day.

The cilantro marinade will last for up to one month in the fridge.

If you use marinade that has been stored, give it a good shake to mix the ingredients. Then use.

Chicken marinating in glass baking dish.

  • Coat the chicken in the marinade.
  • Marinate for 1 hour up to overnight.

Cover with plastic wrap and keep inside the fridge while the chicken is marinating.

Try this marinade with pork, fish, even tofu. It also makes a light and yummy salad dressing.

What can I make with a lot of cilantro?
Roasted Salsa Verde
Avocado Cilantro Dip
Fish Ceviche
Aguachile

Also, if you have leftover cilantro. Wash. Rinse. Chop. Then freeze it with water in an ice cube tray.

Chicken thighs grilling on a grill pan.

  • Oil grill pan.
  • Cook chicken on both sides. 5 minutes on each side.

Get out your cooking thermometer! Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

How do I cook chicken on the stove?
Heat oil in a skillet. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked.

How long does it take to bake chicken thighs at 400?
Boneless chicken thighs bake for about 10 minutes at this temperature. Sometimes less if the chicken is not thick. For bone-in chicken thighs, bake for 30-45 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature is 165 degress F before consuming.

More Mexican Grilled Recipes:


Chuletas Adobadas
Pescado Zarandeado
Chiles Toreados
Alambre de Res

Pollo al Cilantro (Cilantro Chicken) served on a decorative plate next to a green salad.

What to Serve with it?

Salad
Arroz Blanco
Ensalada de Nopales

Grilled Vegetables

Pollo al Cilantro (or Cilantro Chicken) is quick, easy, and the flavor is amazing! Drizzle with leftover marinade and enjoy.

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Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

Pollo al Cilantro (Cilantro Chicken) served on a decorative plate next to a green salad.

Pollo al Cilantro

Pollo al Cilantro takes your dinner to a whole new level. Tender and delicious chicken marinated in a citrus cilantro dressing. It has tons of flavor and is perfect for the grill. 
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 425kcal
Author: Maggie Unzueta

Ingredients

  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 bunch cilantro chopped
  • 1/2 cup lime juice
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 3 lbs chicken boneless, thighs

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, add the garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, cilantro, and lime juice.
  • Mix to combine.
  • Slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify.
  • Coat the chicken with the marinade.
  • Marinade for 1 hour, up to overnight.
  • Add oil and heat grill.
  • Sear the chicken 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
  • Remove from pan and serve.

Video

Notes

You can use any cut of chicken. Just know that you will need to adjust the cooking time.
Substitutions:
You can also use 1 tsp garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
Instead of whole oregano, use ¼ tspn ground oregano. 

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 652mg | Potassium: 870mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 168IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

Filed Under: Chicken

About Maggie Unzueta

Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alexandra

    July 25, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    5 stars
    So simple to prepare and lovely flavours – we love cilantro!

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      July 27, 2020 at 3:59 pm

      Easy and delicious!

      Reply
  2. Caitlyn Erhardt

    July 25, 2020 at 9:36 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe was so good! I made it for dinner for my family over the weekend and it was a hit and everyone loved it. Thanks for a super yummy recipe.

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      July 27, 2020 at 3:59 pm

      So glad you enjoyed this Caitlyn!

      Reply
  3. Nart at Cooking with Nart

    July 25, 2020 at 10:24 pm

    Looks so delicious and healthy. I like chicken so I’m always looking for a new chicken recipes to try, especially the tender ones like yours here!

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      July 27, 2020 at 3:58 pm

      Then I think you will love this recipe. Hope you try it!

      Reply
  4. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

    July 26, 2020 at 3:26 am

    Love all these flavours and so easy to make for a weeknight dinner too.

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      July 27, 2020 at 3:56 pm

      Right? So easy and delicious

      Reply
  5. Saif

    July 26, 2020 at 3:36 am

    This Cilantro Chicken looks delicious. I love when you added olive oil and cilantro / coriander leaves. They are my favorite ingredients and I use them most of my recipes.

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      July 27, 2020 at 3:56 pm

      These ingredients are the best! Glad you like the recipe!

      Reply

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iBienvenidos! I'm Maggie. Welcome to my blog! My passion is authentic Mexican food and traveling throughout Mexico to bring you the very BEST in culture and cuisine.

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