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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Juice of 2 limes - Zest of 1 lime - 1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper (choose either red or yellow), thinly sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 ripe avocado, sliced (for serving) To make this dish, start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their quick cooking time and lean protein. Olive oil adds a nice base flavor and helps with browning. The seasonings are key to the dish's flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder give depth, while ground cumin and smoked paprika add warmth and a bit of smokiness. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers and cherry tomatoes not only add color but also provide a crunch that complements the chicken. The fresh cilantro and lime juice tie everything together, offering a bright and zesty finish. Using ripe avocados as a garnish brings a creamy touch that balances the dish perfectly. Make sure to choose ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy the process; cooking with fresh ingredients makes a world of difference! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke. While the oil warms, season both sides of 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Use enough to coat them well. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer. After cooking, place the chicken on a plate and cover it loosely with foil. This keeps it warm while you cook the veggies. In the same skillet, add a thinly sliced bell pepper and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté these for about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep them from burning. You want the peppers tender but still colorful. Next, pour in the juice of 2 limes. Add the lime zest and 1 cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Stir everything well. Let it cook for another minute to meld the flavors. The bright lime juice adds a fresh kick that pairs perfectly with the veggies. Now, return the chicken to the skillet. Gently coat the chicken with the cilantro-lime mixture. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm the chicken and infuse the flavors more. To serve, plate the chicken and top it with the bell pepper and tomato mix. For a creamy finish, add sliced avocado on top or on the side. This meal is not just easy; it’s packed with flavor and color. Enjoy your Cilantro Lime Chicken Skillet! - How to achieve the perfect golden-brown chicken: Start with a hot skillet. Heat the olive oil until it shimmers. This step is key. Season your chicken well. Use garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Place the chicken in the pan without crowding. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a deep, golden-brown color. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. It should read 165°F (75°C). - Best methods for juicing limes and zesting: To juice limes, roll them on the counter first. This helps release more juice. Cut them in half and use a manual juicer or your hands. For zesting, use a microplane or zester. Gently scrape off the outer layer. Avoid the white part under the skin; it’s bitter. - Complementary side dishes: Serve Cilantro Lime Chicken with fluffy rice or quinoa. These pair well with the flavors. You can also offer black beans or a fresh green salad. They add color and texture to the plate. - Ideal garnishes for enhanced presentation: For a beautiful look, add fresh cilantro leaves on top. Place avocado slices artfully around the chicken. This adds creaminess and a pop of color. You can also include lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, limes, and ripe avocados will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly compared to dried or stale ingredients. Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice, cilantro, and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Don't Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; pulling the chicken off the heat at 160°F (71°C) will ensure it stays juicy and tender. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other colorful vegetables like zucchini, corn, or red onions to the skillet for added nutrition and texture. {{image_4}} You can switch out the chicken for other proteins. Shrimp and tofu work great. Both options soak up the flavors well. For shrimp, cook until pink and firm. For tofu, press it first to remove excess moisture. Feel free to change the veggies too. You can use zucchini, asparagus, or even corn. Each choice adds a unique taste and texture. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. If you like heat, add jalapeño or red pepper flakes. This will spice up your dish and make it more exciting. Just be careful not to add too much. Start small and taste as you go. For a creamy touch, sprinkle some cheese on top. Feta or queso fresco works well. You can also try different herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh twist. Experiment with these ideas to find the perfect flavor for you! To store leftovers, first let the dish cool down. Place the chicken and vegetables in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh longer. You can store the dish in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving. If you want to freeze, wrap the cooled dish tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. This keeps out air and prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the dish for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat. This helps maintain the flavor and texture. Add a splash of lime juice while reheating for extra zest. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. If you cook them from frozen, they will need a longer time to reach 165°F (75°C). How can I make this dish spicier? To add heat, you can add jalapeño slices or red pepper flakes. You can mix in some hot sauce with the lime juice. Start with a little and taste as you go. This way, you can adjust the spice to your liking. - Caloric content per serving: Each serving has about 350 calories. This number can vary based on portion sizes and added ingredients. - Breakdown of macronutrients: - Protein: 40 grams - Carbohydrates: 15 grams - Fat: 15 grams - Fiber: 3 grams This dish is a balanced meal with good protein and healthy fats. This blog post covered a tasty chicken dish using simple ingredients and straightforward steps. You learned how to prepare chicken, cook fresh vegetables, and create a delicious meal. Don't forget the tips for perfecting your dish and the fun variations to try. In the end, enjoy your cooking and share your meals with others. With these methods, you’ll impress everyone at the table and make meal prep easy. Happy cooking!

Cilantro Lime Chicken Skillet

A flavorful skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in lime and cilantro, served with sautéed bell peppers and tomatoes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 pieces limes (juice)
  • 1 piece lime (zest)
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 piece bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 piece ripe avocado, sliced (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  • While the oil is heating, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Once the oil is adequately heated, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sauté the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and are cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • After cooking, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to keep them warm while you prepare the vegetables.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender yet still vibrant in color.
  • Pour the fresh lime juice and scatter the lime zest into the skillet, followed by the chopped cilantro. Stir everything together and allow the mixture to cook for an additional minute, letting the flavors meld.
  • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, then gently coat them with the cilantro-lime mixture. Cook for another 2 minutes, just to warm the chicken through and enhance the flavor infusion.
  • To serve, plate the chicken topped with the sautéed bell pepper and tomato mixture. Garnish with slices of avocado for a creamy finish.

Notes

For an attractive presentation, serve the dish on a large platter, scattering fresh cilantro leaves around the chicken and vegetables. Place the avocado slices artfully on top or alongside for added color and texture.
Keyword chicken, cilantro, easy, lime, skillet