This garlicky, perfectly spiced Lime Chicken is bursting with exceptional flavor and visual appeal!
I don’t use limes as often as I should when cooking. I usually turn to lemons because you get more juice out of them than with limes. Go ahead, call me lazy. I just try to simplify my life as much as possible. However, every time I make a recipe containing lime juice, it reminds me of how amazing the flavor can be.
Flavor, flavor, and more flavor is what you get when you make this incredibly simple and utterly delicious lime chicken! There’s just something special about the combination of lime with cumin and chili powder. It’s as though those flavors bring out nuances in each other that nothing else can accomplish, at least in my humble opinion.
And it couldn’t be easier to make. Simply combine the chicken with the lime juice and spices, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors. Of course, you can marinate it a little longer, but I wouldn’t go over four hours. The acid in the lime juice can break down the fibers in the chicken, causing it to become mushy.
Other easy ways to cook lime chicken
I like using a nonstick skillet because it adds a beautiful sear to chicken breasts. However, you can also prepare this chicken in an air fryer or grill to achieve superior results. Baking or broiling in the oven will also provide you with an excellent meal.
I’ve also turned this dish into a sheet-pan meal by doubling the marinade and placing half of it in a bowl with sliced zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, onions, bell peppers, and asparagus. Everything cooked together on a parchment-lined baking pan, and it was so easy and delicious. Sheet-pan meals are one of my favorite ways to prepare food for a crowd or to have leftovers for future meals.
How do I store leftovers?
Cooked lime chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Let the chicken cool to room temperature before refrigerating. If freezing, chill it in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight before placing in the freezer. Defrost your frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving suggestions
While juicing limes for this chicken dish, do a few more for the sides and dessert, and serve it with Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice or a nice salad with Lime Vinaigrette. These sweet Maple-Glazed Carrots provide the perfect counter to the tanginess of the citrus. Keep the lime theme going with a delicious dessert like No-Bake Key Lime Pie, Key Lime Bars, or Key Lime Cake.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/4 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Zest of 1 lime
- Optional: Fresh cilantro chopped
- Optional: Lime wedges
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a bowl. Add the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, chili powder, onion powder, and cumin. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet on medium-high. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for 4-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F.
- During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the lime zest over the chicken to enhance the lime flavor.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet; let rest. Garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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