Skillet Cilantro Lime Chicken

If you’re in desperate need of a flavor-packed meal that shakes up your dinner routine, this Skillet Cilantro Lime Chicken is your answer. It’s got that perfect tangy punch from the lime, with a hint of sweetness that plays nice with cilantro’s freshness. You know those recipes you keep going back to because they just work? This is one of them.

My husband loves this so much that he’s declared it the “best chicken ever” more times than I can count. One time, he even whipped it up himself when I was late from yoga class—without setting off the smoke alarm or anything! It’s become a staple because it’s easy, quick, and the kids even eat it without needing a bribe. Plus, there’s something satisfying about cooking in a sizzling skillet that makes you feel like you’re a pro at dinnertime.

How to Make It

Start by imagining sun-kissed lime and aromatic cilantro dancing around your kitchen. Honestly, this part is half the fun. Throw your chicken in a hot skillet, and let it sizzle until that golden-brown magic happens. Then, toss in the garlic, inhale deeply, and try not to drool. Finally, pour in the lime juice, sprinkle in fresh cilantro, and let everything mingle happily in the skillet.

✔Ingredient Notes

– Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tasty, and nearly impossible to mess up, unlike my last attempt at a soufflé.
– Lime: Zest and juice it first for a double whammy of citrus goodness! I once forgot, and let’s just say it was blah.
– Cilantro: Use lots, unless you’re one of those cilantro haters, then maybe skip it. No judgement.
– Garlic: Don’t shy away from fresh—it’s your way to kitchen brilliance in one step.

✔Recipe Steps

1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken thighs, cooking until golden brown on each side.
3. Lower heat and stir in minced garlic, cook until fragrant.
4. Pour in lime juice and zest to deglaze, scraping up those tasty bits.
5. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over top.
6. Simmer until chicken is cooked through and sauce is reduced.

What to Serve It With

Pair it with fluffy rice, tortillas, or even a simple salad. We love it with fresh pico de gallo and maybe some black beans if we’re feeling extra fancy.

✔Tips & Mistakes

A little more olive oil in the skillet helps prevent sticking. And hey, if you overcook it a bit, just call it “extra-crispy” like we do.

✔Storage Tips

Pop any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container in the fridge. Eating it cold? Not bad. Reheat it? Even better. Sneak a bite in the morning? Zero regrets.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Out of lime? Swap with lemon—it’ll do in a pinch. Don’t have fresh cilantro? Dried is okay but skip it if it’s past that unknown age. No chicken thighs? Breasts will work but tend to dry out if you look away for a sec.

Frequently Asked Questions

Skillet Cilantro Lime Chicken

This quick and flavorful skillet chicken is coated in a zesty cilantro lime marinade, perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 4 piece boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ▢ 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped packed
• ▢ 2 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
• ▢ 2 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 3 clove garlic minced
• ▢ 1 tsp ground cumin
• ▢ 0.5 tsp salt
• ▢ 0.25 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• In a bowl, combine cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
• Add chicken breasts to the marinade, coating evenly. Let sit for at least 10 minutes.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked through.
• Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.