My Cheap and Cheerful Fourth of July Lime Cilantro Chicken Recipe

Lime Cilantro Chicken (photo via Bon Appetit Magazine)

Although I haven’t been cooking much of late, I may break out and fire up the BBQ today on July 4th to celebrate.  I’ll see how much inspiration I have as the holiday progresses.   When I have entertained for the Fourth, one of my favorites is an easy Lime Cilantro chicken dish that I think I got from the Bon Appetit BBQ issue in 2004 or 2005.  Of course, I may have taken some liberties with their recipe 🙂 This is an easy dish to make, that is delicious because of the fresh ingredients of cilantro and lime.  I serve it with rice (Trader Joe’s Brown Rice, already cooked, just reheat), black beans and a big salad.
Here’s the recipe.  Enjoy!

Recipe for Lime Cilantro Chicken my adaptation of the Bon Appetit recipe)
* 1/2 an orange, juiced (or 1/2 cup Orange Juice)
* 1/4 cup oil ( I use Olive Oil)
* 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (more to taste if you like cilantro)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (dash of pepper too if you like that.)
* 1 teaspoon oregano
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* Four Chicken Breasts or other pieces

Directions

1. Toss all the ingredients in a bowl or pot and combine
2.  Marinate meat for 1/2 to 1 hour. You can put it in a plastic bag if you like to seal in the flavor.
3. Grill.

Easy peasy.  You can make this dish cheaper if you use Chicken Wings or Thighs.  It’s all up to you on the budget for your July 4th Feast. A salad I like with this dish is a Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad with Cilantro also from Bon Appetit. The recipe says to boil the corn, but I just throw it on the grill, and then cut the corn off the cob and toss it in the bowl with the other ingredients.  I’m all about the quick and easy.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make a pitcher of Mojitos to compliment the dish. If you want to take an easier route, you can serve it with some wine.  My recommendations are La Crema Chardonnay, Lane Tanner Pinot Noir or Cline Zinfindel.

Enjoy! Happy Fourth dear readers!