Cilantro Lime Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
255 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Cilantro Lime Chicken
Description
This dish features skinless, boneless chicken breasts marinated in a combination of chopped cilantro, garlic, zest and juice of lime, honey for sweetness, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. The balance of citrus, herbaceous cilantro, and mild warmth from the spices gives the chicken a fresh, bright flavor. The marinade is allowed to infuse for 30 minutes in the refrigerator, tenderizing the chicken and deepening taste.
Cooking happens in a hot skillet over medium heat, allowing the chicken to brown slightly while cooking through to an internal temperature of 165°F. The marinade also cooks with the chicken, creating a flavorful glaze. After cooking, the chicken is topped with additional lime juice and fresh cilantro, enhancing aromatics and brightness before resting to retain juices.
This chicken works well served warm with sides like rice, vegetables, or in salads and tacos. Its lively flavor profile brings a light, fresh note to various cuisines.
For an optional sauce, deglaze the skillet with broth to scrape up browned bits, thicken with cornstarch, and finish with butter for richness. Drizzle this sauce over the chicken before serving for added moisture and flavor complexity.
Ingredients
- ½ cup cilantro chopped, divided
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil
- 4 garlic minced, fresh cloves
- 1 lime zested
- 2 lime divided, juiced (about ¼ cup
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 chicken breast skinless and boneless
Instructions
- In a large bowl add ¼ cup cilantro, avocado oil, garlic cloves, lime zest, lime juice from 1 ½ limes, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
- Add the chicken to the marinade. Cover and allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge.
- In a hot skillet over medium heat add the chicken and marinade. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until the juices run clear. The chicken should reach 165°F when tested with a digital meat thermometer
- Remove from the heat. Top with ½ squeeze of one lime and ¼ cup cilantro.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy while warm!
Notes
- Broth can be added to the skillet after cooking chicken to create a pan sauce by scraping up browned bits.
- For a thicker sauce, stir in about a teaspoon of cornstarch and cook until thickened.
- Finish the sauce with a tablespoon of unsalted butter to add richness and shine before drizzling over the chicken.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 255 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 16 oz chicken breast | |
| Calories | 255kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 83mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 608mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 355mg | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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