Zesty Lime Cilantro Chicken
This vibrant chicken dish features tender chicken marinated in a zesty lime and cilantro blend, complemented by a fresh, spicy sauce with jalapeño and garlic. It's a flavorful and easy-to-prepare meal perfect for any night.
Ingredients
- 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lime juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 medium jalapeño seeded and roughly chopped (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro packed
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tsp honey or agave optional
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate.
- Marinate Chicken: Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2 to 3 hours, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the jalapeño-cilantro sauce. In a small food processor or blender, combine the roughly chopped jalapeño (remove seeds for a milder sauce), 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, 2 peeled garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and optional honey or agave. Blend until the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any remaining marinade. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the fresh jalapeño-cilantro sauce and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes like rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad.
Notes
Serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño. Chicken can be grilled, pan-seared, or baked. Marinating for less than 1 hour is also acceptable if time is short, but 2-3 hours is ideal.