Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a delicious balance of savory, creamy, and citrusy flavors. The chicken is perfectly seared to golden brown perfection, and the creamy cilantro-lime sauce is rich, refreshing, and packed with flavor. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes to make, and it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth and lime juice to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chopped cilantro, letting the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Plate the chicken breasts, drizzle with the creamy sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Lighter Version: For a lighter option, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer juicier meat, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
- Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version of this dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe. They are juicier and more flavorful, though they may require a little more cooking time.
2. Can I use lime juice from a bottle instead of fresh limes?
Fresh lime juice is always best for this recipe, as it provides a vibrant flavor. However, bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch if fresh limes are unavailable.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream to make the sauce dairy-free.
4. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce it further. Alternatively, add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce and stir until thickened.
5. Can I use a different herb besides cilantro?
While cilantro is the star herb of this dish, you can try using parsley, basil, or even a combination of herbs for a unique twist.
6. What can I serve with Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Tortillas or a side of guacamole also make great accompaniments.
7. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also check by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken; it should be opaque and the juices should run clear.
8. Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not recommended to freeze the chicken with the sauce as dairy-based sauces may not freeze well. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and reheat it when ready to serve, then prepare the sauce fresh.
9. Can I double the recipe to serve more people?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe by using more chicken and increasing the quantities of the sauce ingredients. Just be sure to use a larger skillet or cook in batches.
10. How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
If you like a bit of heat, add some chili flakes or a minced jalapeño pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick. Adjust to your heat tolerance!
Conclusion
Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that brings together the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s easy to prepare, can be customized to suit dietary preferences, and works as a great weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that is as satisfying as it is delicious.
Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious, creamy sauce infused with fresh cilantro and tangy lime.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth and lime juice to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chopped cilantro, letting the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Plate the chicken breasts, drizzle with the creamy sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
If you prefer a lighter version, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half.
For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream.
To make the sauce thicker, simmer it for a few extra minutes or add cornstarch mixed with water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
