Description
Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is a quick and easy dinner recipe that’s bursting with flavor. Juicy chicken is seared to perfection and smothered in a creamy, zesty sauce made with lime juice, fresh cilantro, and garlic. This versatile dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through (6–7 minutes per side). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and lime juice, deglazing the skillet by scraping any browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream, lime zest, and cumin. Let it simmer until slightly thickened (3–4 minutes).
- Combine and Cook:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over, and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Stir in chopped cilantro, and adjust seasonings to taste.
- Serve:
- Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges. Serve hot over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Notes
- If the sauce is too tangy, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
- For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes