Cilantro Lime Chicken 🍗🍋🌿
Zesty, juicy, and packed with flavor, this Cilantro Lime Chicken is a simple yet delicious dish perfect for tacos, salads, or as a stand-alone star. 🌟🌮✨
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs 🍗
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 🍋
- 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 tsp ground cumin 🌟
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️
- 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional for spice lovers) 🔥
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. 🥣✨
- Add chicken and coat evenly. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours for maximum flavor. ⏱️❄️
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil if using a skillet. 🥄🔥
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F/74°C). 🔥🍗
- Finish with Cilantro:
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. 🌿🔪
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve with lime wedges for an extra citrusy kick! Pair with rice, tortillas, or your favorite veggies. 🍚🌮🥦
Tips for Success:
- Use chicken thighs for an extra juicy result. 🍗💧
- Double the marinade and reserve half as a sauce for drizzling after cooking (just don’t reuse the raw marinade). 🥄🍋
- For smoky flavor, grill the chicken outdoors. 🍢🔥
This Cilantro Lime Chicken is bursting with fresh, bold flavors that will leave you dreaming of tropical getaways. 🌴🍗🍋