Cilantro lime chicken is a dish that’s become a weeknight staple in my kitchen. It’s bursting with fresh flavors, incredibly versatile, and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.
This recipe is all about the marinade. The zesty lime juice, fragrant cilantro, and warm spices like cumin and chili powder come together to create a flavor bomb that infuses the chicken with juicy goodness.
As someone who loves experimenting with flavors in the kitchen, I’ve stumbled upon a recipe that never fails to impress – Cilantro Lime Chicken.
This dish combines the freshness of cilantro and the tanginess of lime to create a mouthwatering experience that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Let’s dive into this delicious and easy recipe!
How to Prepare Cilantro Lime Chicken?
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Yield: 4 servings
Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Grill or skillet
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cilantro, olive oil, minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and discard the remaining marinade.
Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center. If using a grill, you can also cook the chicken on aluminum foil to prevent sticking.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill or skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired, then serve hot.
Special Note:
Discard the leftover marinade after removing the chicken. Since it contains raw chicken juices, it’s not safe for reuse.
Nutrition Facts Cilantro Lime Chicken
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
What Does Cilantro Lime Chicken Taste Like?
Cilantro lime chicken has a bright, zesty flavor with a hint of spiciness. The cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous taste, while the lime juice adds a tangy and acidic flavor.
The garlic and spices add depth of flavor and complexity.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Cilantro Lime Chicken?
Cilantro lime chicken is a healthy and nutritious dish. Cilantro is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and calcium.
Lime juice is also a good source of vitamin C, as well as citric acid, which helps to boost the absorption of iron.
Chicken is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
What To Serve With Cilantro Chicken?
Cilantro lime chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with cilantro lime chicken:
1. Grain Sides:
Rice: Rice is a classic side dish for cilantro lime chicken, and it helps to soak up the delicious juices from the chicken. You can use white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
Quinoa: Quinoa is a nutritious and protein-packed grain that is a great alternative to rice. It has a slightly nutty flavor that complements the cilantro lime flavors in the chicken.
Couscous: Couscous is a light and fluffy grain that is quick and easy to prepare. It pairs well with the zesty flavors of the cilantro lime chicken.
2. Vegetable Sides:
Steamed Vegetables: Steamed vegetables are a healthy and refreshing side dish for cilantro lime chicken. They add a touch of color and nutrients to the meal.
Some good options for steamed vegetables include broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables are a flavorful and satisfying side dish that pairs well with cilantro lime chicken.
They add a bit of sweetness and depth of flavor to the meal. Some good options for roasted vegetables include sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables are a smoky and delicious side dish that pairs well with cilantro lime chicken.
They add a bit of char and flavor to the meal. Some good options for grilled vegetables include zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
3. Other Sides:
Avocado Salad: Avocado salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that pairs well with cilantro lime chicken. It adds a bit of creaminess and richness to the meal.
To make avocado salad, simply combine avocado, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro with a lime vinaigrette dressing.
Black Bean Salad: Black bean salad is a hearty and protein-packed side dish that pairs well with cilantro lime chicken. It adds a bit of spice and texture to the meal.
To make black bean salad, simply combine black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro with a lime vinaigrette dressing.
Tortilla Chips and Salsa: Tortilla chips and salsa are a classic Mexican side dish that is always a crowd-pleaser.
They add a bit of crunch and flavor to the meal. You can use any type of salsa that you like.
These are just a few ideas for what to serve with cilantro lime chicken. There are many other possibilities, so get creative and have fun!
What Does Lime Do To Chicken?
Lime juice is a common ingredient in chicken marinades and sauces because it adds a number of desirable qualities to the dish:
1. Flavor: Lime juice has a bright, acidic flavor that helps to balance out the richness of chicken and adds a refreshing zesty note.
2. Tenderness: The acidity in lime juice helps to break down the protein fibers in chicken, making it more tender and juicy.
3. Moisture: Lime juice can help to keep chicken moist, especially when cooked over high heat.
4. Preservation: Lime juice has some antimicrobial properties, which can help to extend the shelf life of chicken.
5. Flavor enhancement: Lime juice can help to bring out the natural flavors of other ingredients in a dish, such as garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
What To Pair With Cilantro Lime Rice?
Cilantro lime rice is a versatile and flavorful side dish that can be paired with a variety of proteins and vegetables. Its bright, zesty flavors complement a wide range of cuisines, from Mexican to Asian-inspired dishes.
Conclusion:
Cilantro lime chicken is a flavorful, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue.
The marinade is bright, zesty, and flavorful, and it penetrates the chicken deeply, resulting in a tender and juicy dish.
The chicken can be grilled, baked, or sautéed, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Cilantro lime chicken is also a healthy and nutritious dish that is packed with vitamins and minerals.
So next time you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal, give cilantro lime chicken a try!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is cilantro lime chicken?
Cilantro lime chicken is a popular dish made with chicken that has been marinated in a mixture of cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and spices. The chicken is then grilled, baked, or sautéed until cooked through.
How long should I marinate cilantro lime chicken?
You can marinate cilantro lime chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
What can I serve with cilantro lime chicken?
Cilantro lime chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, beans, vegetables, or tortillas. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
How do I store leftover cilantro lime chicken?
Leftover cilantro lime chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze cilantro lime chicken?
Yes, you can freeze cilantro lime chicken. To freeze, marinate the chicken as usual, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, defrost the chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
Cilantro Lime Chicken
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Grill or skillet
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cilantro, olive oil, minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and discard the remaining marinade.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center. If using a grill, you can also cook the chicken on aluminum foil to prevent sticking.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill or skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired, then serve hot.
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