Cilantro Lime Chicken: A Flavorful and Quick Recipe for Your Next Meal
If you’re looking for a vibrant and refreshing chicken dish that bursts with flavor, look no further than this delightful Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe. Although my husband has recently declared our kitchen a cilantro-free zone, which means I haven’t had the opportunity to make this scrumptious dish yet, it’s certainly one that I find appealing. Inspired by the expertise of British chef Ainsley Harriott, this recipe highlights the invigorating combination of cilantro and lime, creating a marinated chicken that is simply irresistible. Please note, however, that the marination process is critical; marinating the chicken for longer than two hours can lead to an undesirable texture, as the acidity of the lime juice will break down the meat too much.
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Cilantro Lime Chicken |
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Description | A refreshing chicken dish marinated in cilantro and lime, perfect for a quick meal. |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 197.1 kcal |
| Fat | 6.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 75.5 mg |
| Sodium | 626 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8.4 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 2.9 g |
| Protein | 26.4 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 | cloves garlic |
| 4 | tablespoons cilantro leaves |
| 2 | teaspoons black peppercorns |
| 2 | teaspoons sugar |
| 2 | limes (juiced) |
| 2 | tablespoons Thai fish sauce |
| 1 | tablespoon light soy sauce |
| 4 | boneless skinless chicken breasts |
| 2 | tablespoons sunflower oil (for cooking) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Marinade: Begin by creating a flavorful marinade that will infuse your chicken with zesty and aromatic flavors. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped cilantro leaves, ground black peppercorns, sugar, fresh lime juice, Thai fish sauce, light soy sauce, and sunflower oil. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended, ensuring that the flavors meld seamlessly.
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Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure that each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the dish or bag and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour and up to two hours, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure an even marination. Remember, marinating for too long can result in a mushy texture due to the lime juice’s acidity.
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Preheat the Cooking Surface: While the chicken is marinating, preheat a ridged griddle pan or a heavy non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. The griddle pan will give your chicken those attractive grill marks while also enhancing its flavor.
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Cook the Chicken: Once your cooking surface is adequately preheated, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off before placing it onto the hot pan. Cook the chicken for approximately 7 to 8 minutes on each side, or until it is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center. You can check doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
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Serve and Garnish: After cooking, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few moments. You can serve the chicken hot or cold, making it a versatile option for both warm meals and salads. Garnish your dish with additional fresh cilantro leaves to enhance the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor.
This Cilantro Lime Chicken not only showcases the vibrant flavors of its ingredients but also provides a quick and satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it alongside a fresh salad, on top of rice, or as part of a wrap, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the simple yet delightful preparation method that makes this recipe a winner in any kitchen.
Keywords
Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Asian, Quick Meals, < 30 Mins, Cilantro Lime Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Marinated Chicken, Ainsley Harriott Recipe, Flavorful Chicken Dish, Easy Chicken Recipe, Dinner Ideas
Conclusion
While I may not have been able to try this recipe personally yet, I believe it has the potential to become a family favorite due to its delicious taste and ease of preparation. I hope this Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe brings joy to your kitchen, encouraging you to explore the vibrant flavors of cilantro and lime in your cooking. If you do give it a try, let me know how it turns out, and perhaps we can share a culinary adventure together on this flavorful journey!
