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For the Cilantro Lime Chicken Skillet, you need key ingredients that make this dish pop. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Juice of 2 limes - Zest of 1 lime - 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 avocado, sliced (for serving) These ingredients blend together to create a lively meal. The lime juice brightens the chicken. The spices add warmth and depth. Fresh cilantro gives it a fresh touch. You will need a few tools to make this dish. Grab a large skillet for cooking. A spatula will help you flip the chicken. Use a knife and cutting board to slice the bell pepper and tomatoes. A measuring spoon will help with the spices. Having these items ready will make cooking smooth and easy. While the dish is delicious on its own, some garnishes can enhance it. Consider adding: - Sliced avocado for creaminess - Extra chopped cilantro for freshness - Lime wedges for an extra zesty kick These garnishes not only look great but also add new flavors. They can take your meal to the next level, making it even more enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms up, grab 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them well with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure each piece is coated evenly. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach 165°F (75°C) inside. When done, remove the chicken and let it rest on a plate. Cover it with foil to keep warm. In the same skillet, it’s time to add flavor. Toss in 1 sliced bell pepper, either red or yellow, along with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté these veggies for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to become tender but not mushy. The skillet should still have some oil and flavor left from the chicken, which will help the veggies shine. Now, let’s bring everything together. Add the juice and zest of 2 limes, plus 1 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, to the skillet with the veggies. Stir everything well. Allow the mixture to cook for another minute. This step helps the flavors blend nicely. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Coat the chicken in the cilantro-lime mixture and heat for another 2 minutes. You want the chicken to soak up that fresh flavor before serving. To cook chicken just right, start with even thickness. You can pound the chicken breasts to make them uniform. This helps them cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps it juicy and tasty. For extra flavor, try adding fresh lime zest. It gives a bright taste. You can also mix in some fresh garlic. Chopped jalapeños add heat if you like spice. Marinating the chicken in lime juice and spices for an hour can deepen the flavor. This makes each bite zesty and fresh. You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try shrimp or pork if you like. For a vegetarian dish, use firm tofu or chickpeas. You could also add different veggies like zucchini or corn. Each choice will change the dish’s taste, keeping it exciting and new. Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat. Customize the Spice: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give a nice kick if you prefer some heat. Try Different Veggies: Experiment with other vegetables like zucchini or corn to add different textures and flavors to the dish. Serve with Rice or Quinoa: For a complete meal, serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious cilantro-lime sauce. {{image_2}} You can easily swap the chicken for other proteins. Try shrimp or fish for a lighter meal. Both cook quickly and soak up the flavors well. Adjust cooking times as needed. For shrimp, cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. If you use fish, aim for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. If you want a vegetarian dish, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Press and cube the tofu for best results. Sauté it until golden brown, just like the chicken. You can also use chickpeas for a heartier option. They add protein and texture while soaking up all the lime and cilantro goodness. You can change the flavor with different spices or herbs. Try adding chili powder for heat or oregano for earthiness. Fresh basil or parsley can also work instead of cilantro if you want a different taste. Citrus zest from oranges or lemons can brighten the dish too. These small changes can make a big impact on your meal! After you make your Cilantro Lime Chicken Skillet, let it cool down first. Once cool, place it in an airtight container. This way, it stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Keep the chicken and veggies together for best flavor. You can freeze the chicken skillet for later meals. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to three months. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of what you have. To reheat, take the chicken out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, heat it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir it often until it's warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat for one to two minutes, checking to avoid overcooking. Make sure it reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving again. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! You can check if the chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. If it reads 165°F, your chicken is done. If you don't have a thermometer, cut the chicken open. The meat should be white, not pink, and the juices should run clear. Yes, you can make Cilantro Lime Chicken Skillet ahead of time. Cook the chicken and veggies, then let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat the dish on the stove or in the microwave. This makes meal prep easy for busy days. Several side dishes go well with this flavorful chicken. Here are some ideas: - Rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice) - Quinoa - Salad (mixed greens or avocado salad) - Roasted or steamed vegetables (like zucchini or broccoli) - Tortillas for wraps These sides complement the bright flavors of the chicken and add variety to your meal. Enjoy your cooking! This blog post teaches you about making a flavorful Cilantro Lime Chicken Skillet. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for perfect results. I shared variations to suit your taste and storage tips for making meals last. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. You now have the tools to try this dish with confidence. Enjoy the process and share your results!

Cilantro Lime Chicken Skillet

A flavorful and zesty chicken dish cooked in a skillet with fresh vegetables and cilantro.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 pieces limes (juiced)
  • 1 piece lime (zested)
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 piece bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 piece avocado, sliced (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • While the oil is heating, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate, covering it with foil to keep warm.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Add the lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro to the skillet. Stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for an additional minute.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the cilantro-lime mixture. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
  • Serve the chicken topped with the sautéed vegetables and garnish with avocado slices.

Notes

Serve with avocado slices for added creaminess.
Keyword chicken, cilantro, easy, lime, skillet