Introduction
This delicious recipe features tender, marinated chicken breasts that are bursting with flavor. With the perfect balance of citrusy lime and aromatic cilantro, this dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. It’s simple to prepare and makes for a satisfying meal that can be served with a variety of sides.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1½ pounds), trimmed and pounded to ¾-inch uniform thickness
– 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided (3 tablespoons for the marinade and 1 tablespoon for the skillet)
– 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves, plus additional for garnish
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon ground cumin
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
**Garnish:**
– Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– Lime wedges
Prep Time
1-2 hours for marinating, plus an additional 15-20 minutes for bringing the chicken to room temperature.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
Total Time: 1-2 hours (including marinating)
Yield: Serves 4
This recipe is an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful chicken alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a heavy-duty large zip-top bag.
Make the Marinade
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, fresh lime juice, chopped fresh cilantro leaves, minced garlic, honey, fresh lime zest, salt, ground cumin, and black pepper.
Marinate the Chicken
Pour the marinade over the chicken in the bag. Seal the bag, squeezing out as much air as possible.
Refrigerate the Chicken
Refrigerate the marinating chicken for 1-2 hours, or up to overnight.
Bring Chicken to Room Temperature
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.
Heat the Skillet
Heat a large (12-inch) heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Cook the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it into the hot skillet. Reserve the remaining marinade. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on the first side until seared to golden brown, then flip. Add the reserved marinade to the skillet and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let the Chicken Rest
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with additional chopped fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges before serving.
Notes
Uniform Thickness
Make sure the chicken breasts are pounded to a uniform thickness of ¾ inch to ensure even cooking.
Marinating Time
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour but no longer than overnight.
Internal Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Garnish Options
Feel free to add additional garnishes such as avocado, diced tomatoes, or red onions for extra flavor and color.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, honey, lime zest, salt, cumin, and black pepper enhances its flavor and tenderness. Allowing it to sit for 1-2 hours or overnight helps the chicken absorb the marinade’s essence.
Pounding Chicken
Pounding the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness ensures they cook evenly. This technique prevents some parts from drying out while others are undercooked.
Cooking in a Skillet
Using a heavy-duty skillet enables better heat retention and even cooking. Starting with a hot skillet creates a nice sear on the chicken, locking in juices, while adding reserved marinade later boosts flavor during the cooking process.
Checking Doneness
Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. This temperature guarantees that the chicken is both safe to eat and juicy.
Resting
Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking redistributes the juices, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.
Garnishing
Garnishing with additional cilantro and lime wedges adds a fresh touch and enhances the dish’s visual appeal.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will be longer. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What can I substitute for lime juice?
You can substitute lime juice with lemon juice, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken?
Pounding the chicken is not mandatory but recommended for even cooking and tenderness.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours or up to overnight for enhanced flavor.
What should I serve with this chicken dish?
This marinated chicken pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
The marinated chicken breasts offer a delicious blend of flavors, highlighted by the freshness of lime and cilantro. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to be served on various occasions, making it a perfect option for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Enjoy the succulent chicken with garnishes that enhance its presentation and taste, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Tacos
Shred the cooked chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with avocado, salsa, and additional cilantro for a delicious taco night.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Pair the chicken with a side of cilantro lime rice, made by mixing cooked rice with lime juice, zest, and chopped cilantro for a refreshing complement.
Grilled Veggies
Add grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions as a side dish, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with lime to enhance the meal.
Chicken Salad
Dice the cooked chicken and mix it into a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette for a light and healthy option.
Quinoa Bowl
Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of quinoa, topped with steamed broccoli and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a nutritious grain bowl.
