Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

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This Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is a flavorful and tangy dish that combines zesty lime, fragrant cilantro, and a creamy sauce. It’s the perfect meal to brighten up your weeknight dinners and impress family or guests. Made with tender chicken breasts and a rich, velvety sauce, this dish is both comforting and refreshing.

Delicious Cilantro Lime Chicken

The chicken breasts in this recipe are seasoned and seared to create a golden-brown crust, then finished off in the oven for juicy tenderness. The sauce, infused with lime, cilantro, and a hint of red pepper flakes, adds a burst of flavor that complements the creaminess. This recipe brings the tang of lime and the creaminess of the sauce together in a mouth-watering combination!

It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and offers restaurant-quality flavors—great for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something fresh but rich.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is:

• Tender and juicy, with a delicious sear on the outside.
• Infused with the tangy brightness of lime and freshness of cilantro.
• Enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that’s easy to make but full of flavor.
• Perfect for a quick yet impressive meal, with just one pan required!

Let’s get into the details on how to make this standout chicken recipe.

Ingredients for Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

The ingredients for this Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken come together to create a beautiful balance of rich and fresh flavors. Each element plays a key role in enhancing the dish, from the juiciness of the chicken to the brightness of the lime and cilantro. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts – I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay tender.
• Salt and Black Pepper – A simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken, it helps to create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Chicken Broth – Adds depth to the sauce and keeps it savory. I suggest using reduced-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness.
• Fresh Lime Juice – Lime is the star of the show in this recipe. It adds a zesty, tangy flavor that complements the richness of the sauce.
• Chopped Onion – Finely chopped onion provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Fresh Cilantro – The cilantro adds a fresh, herbal flavor that pairs wonderfully with the lime. You can also garnish with extra cilantro for an added burst of color and taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes – A hint of heat that balances out the richness of the cream and butter. Feel free to adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• Heavy Cream – This is what makes the sauce rich and creamy, giving it a luxurious texture and flavor.
• Unsalted Butter – Cubed and added to the sauce, butter adds a smooth, velvety richness. Using unsalted butter helps you control the salt content in the dish.
• Optional Garnishes – You can add lime wedges and more cilantro for garnish, as well as steamed asparagus on the side to make it a complete meal.

How to Make Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

This dish is easy to make, but to get the best results, follow the steps carefully to ensure perfectly cooked chicken and a well-balanced sauce. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them down until they’re uniform. This helps them cook evenly. Season each breast with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 6-7 minutes, turning once to brown both sides. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside but doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
3. Make the Sauce Base: Remove the skillet from heat and add the chicken broth, lime juice, chopped onion, cilantro, and red pepper flakes. Return the skillet to the heat and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds flavor to the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it gently reduce for about 10 minutes, or until it’s reduced to about 1/4 cup.
4. Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the heavy cream and cubed butter to the skillet. Stir until the butter has melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
5. Bake the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts back into the skillet, coating them with the sauce. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

The result will be beautifully cooked chicken with a rich and flavorful sauce that you’ll want to spoon over everything!

Stay tuned for how long to bake, how to store, and more cooking tips.

How Long to Bake Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

The baking time for chicken breasts can vary depending on their size and thickness. The goal is to cook the chicken through without overdoing it, keeping it moist and tender. Once you’ve seared the chicken, baking ensures it reaches the perfect internal temperature while allowing the flavors of the sauce to meld together.

Here’s a guide to help you bake your chicken to perfection:

• Small Chicken Breasts (5-6 ounces): Bake for 5-7 minutes.
• Medium Chicken Breasts (7-8 ounces): Bake for 7-10 minutes.
• Large Chicken Breasts (9-10 ounces or more): Bake for 10-12 minutes.

The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). I highly recommend using an instant-read thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking. Always check the thickest part of the breast for accurate results.

Storing Leftover Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they can be easily stored and reheated for a quick meal later on. Here’s how to store and keep your chicken fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently to keep the chicken moist and prevent the sauce from separating. I recommend reheating it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the chicken for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing in an airtight freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the oven at a low temperature.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Let Chicken Rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. For those who love a little kick, feel free to add more!
• Cooking Ahead: The chicken can be seared and the sauce can be prepared ahead of time. Simply finish the chicken in the oven just before serving for a freshly cooked meal with minimal effort.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans, or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

These tips ensure your Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is not only delicious right out of the oven but also just as tasty when enjoyed as leftovers.

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