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Fiesta Lime Chicken with Cilantro Lime Salsa Recipe

Fiesta Lime Chicken with Cilantro Lime Salsa Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 9 reviews

A vibrant and zesty Fiesta Lime Chicken recipe featuring marinated grilled chicken breasts or thighs paired with a fresh and tangy Cilantro Lime Salsa. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner served alongside rice or beans.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fiesta Lime Chicken

  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Cilantro Lime Salsa

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • ½ small red onion, very finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp salt

For Serving (Optional)

  • Cooked rice or cilantro lime rice
  • Grilled corn or black beans
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade and coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown, slightly charred, and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  3. Make the Salsa: While the chicken cooks, combine finely chopped cilantro, very finely diced red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl. Mix gently and let rest for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  4. Finish & Serve: Serve the hot cooked chicken topped generously with the fresh cilantro lime salsa. Accompany with cooked rice, grilled corn, or black beans for a complete meal. Garnish with extra lime wedges and fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor and tenderness.
  • If jalapeño is too spicy, omit or reduce the amount according to your taste preference.
  • Use chicken breasts for leaner meat or thighs for juicier texture.
  • Grilled corn and black beans make excellent side dishes for a fuller fiesta-inspired meal.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Nutrition

Keywords: fiesta lime chicken, cilantro lime salsa, grilled chicken, Mexican chicken recipe, lime chicken marinade, healthy chicken dinner

Find it online: https://maicook.com/fiesta-lime-chicken-with-cilantro-lime-salsa-recipe/