Ah, grilled chicken. It’s a staple in my kitchen – sometimes a little too much, to be honest.
But throw in the zestiness of lime and the fresh punch of cilantro, and suddenly it’s like transforming a plain tee into a designer outfit. Picture this:
the crackling of the grill, the tangy aroma mingling with the evening air, and a salsa that’s so creamy, it’s like a velvet curtain dropping on a stage. It reminds me of last summer’s backyard parties, where everyone gathered around, plates loaded, faces glowing with joy.
Steps
- Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a mallet, then place them in a resealable bag.
- Mix together lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, honey, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create the marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken in the bag, seal it, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, turning the bag occasionally to ensure even marination.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 425-450°F (220-230°C), and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F (71-74°C), then let it rest for 5 minutes.
- To make the avocado salsa, combine diced avocado, tomato, onion, and garlic in a bowl, then season with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the grilled chicken topped with a generous portion of avocado salsa and garnish with extra chopped cilantro.
Ingredients
- Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa:
- Chicken breasts
- Zest of lime
- Juice of lime
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic cloves (minced)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Avocados
- Roma tomatoes
- Red onion
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1604 | Calories from Fat: 972 | Fat: 108g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 288mg | Sodium: 560mg | Potassium: 3672mg | Carbohydrates: 56g | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 16g | Protein: 104g | Vitamin A: 1960IU | Vitamin C: 94mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Can I cook the Cilantro Lime Chicken without a grill?
- Yes, if grilling isn’t an option, you can pan-sear the chicken over medium heat with some olive oil until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Alternatively, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, checking that it reaches the same temperature.
- Is it possible to prepare Cilantro Lime Chicken in advance for meal prepping?
- Absolutely, you can prepare this dish in advance and enjoy it throughout the week in various meals like salads, sandwiches, or burrito bowls. However, it’s not recommended to freeze the raw chicken in the marinade, as the acidity from the lime juice may toughen the meat.
- What are some suggested side dishes to serve with Cilantro Lime Chicken?
- Some great side dishes to pair with this flavorful chicken include coconut rice, black bean and corn salad, grilled corn, or any of your favorite summer sides.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
- Yes, chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted since thighs can take longer to cook through.
- What should I do if I don’t have an avocado for the salsa?
- If you don’t have avocados on hand, you can try substituting with another creamy ingredient like diced mango or cucumber for a refreshing twist, although the traditional avocado salsa is highly recommended for its flavor.
Tips
- To ensure even cooking, start by pounding the chicken breasts to a consistent thickness before marinating and grilling.
- If you prefer chicken thighs over breasts, feel free to use them, but keep in mind that the cooking time might need to be adjusted.
- Consider pairing the cilantro lime chicken with sides like coconut rice, a black bean and corn salad, or grilled corn for a complete summer meal.
- Avoid freezing the chicken in the acidic marinade, as this could toughen the meat. Instead, enjoy the leftovers in various dishes throughout the week.
Equipment
- Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa recipe that you might not normally have at home and may need to buy on Amazon:
- Instant-read thermometer: Essential for checking that the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature.
- Grill: If you plan to grill the chicken and don’t already own one.
- Meat tenderizer: Useful for pounding the chicken to an even thickness.
- Resealable gallon-sized plastic bags: For marinating the chicken.
