Cilantro Lime Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Marinating Time
20 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
301 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Cilantro Lime Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
Description
The Cilantro Lime Chicken with Strawberry Salsa combines boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful mixture including cilantro, lime zest and juice, honey, olive oil, and an optional touch of club soda to tenderize. The chicken is pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking, then grilled to showcase charred, smoky grill marks. The strawberry salsa complements the chicken by blending fresh diced strawberries, tomatoes, jalapeño, green onions, and cilantro with lime juice and seasoning, creating a fresh and mildly spicy topping. The balance between the marinade's citrus brightness and the salsa's sweet and spicy notes defines the dish.
This recipe serves well on its own or alongside simple sides, offering a colorful plate suitable for casual meals or summer gatherings. Serving the salsa over the chicken just before eating preserves its fresh texture and flavor contrast. The chicken is tender from the marinade and grilling process, while the salsa provides crispness and complexity.
To enhance flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes, preferably longer or overnight. For indoor preparation, baking the chicken at 400°F until cooked through is a viable alternative to grilling. Adjust jalapeño quantity or remove seeds for milder salsa. Leftovers maintain quality for up to 3 days refrigerated; freezing is possible but best for the chicken only. The salsa is best consumed fresh within 2 days due to the delicate nature of the fruit and vegetables.
Ingredients
For Cilantro Lime Chicken
- 1½ pound chicken breast boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- ¼ cup club soda (optional) helps to tenderize the meat)
For Strawberry Salsa
- 1 cup tomato chopped small
- 1 cup strawberries chopped small
- 1 jalapeno pepper chopped
- 5 green onions chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- In a blender add the cilantro lime chicken ingredients; olive oil, honey, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, salt and pepper. Also add club soda if using it. Blend for about 30 seconds until smooth.
- Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and gently pound using a meat mallet until chicken is about ½ inch in thickness.
- Place chicken in a large bowl and pour cilantro lime marinade over chicken. Marinate for about 20 minutes, while grill heats up and you make the strawberry salsa.
- To make strawberry salsa, toss all the salsa ingredients together in a bowl and cover and refrigerate until chicken is ready to serve.
- Grill the chicken on both sides for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- To serve spoon salsa over grilled chicken and serve on its own or your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes for flavor; longer marinating up to overnight can deepen taste.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, baking chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes serves as an effective alternative.
- To reduce salsa heat, remove jalapeño seeds or use less of the pepper.
- Store leftover chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freeze for up to 2 months if needed.
- The strawberry salsa is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 301 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 301kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 109mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 498mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 861mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 698IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 40mg | 44% |
| Calcium | 36mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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