Description
This Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a luscious sauce made with garlic, chicken stock, heavy cream, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime juice. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner, this dish combines creamy textures with bright, fresh flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut thin or pounded to 1/4 to 1/2-inch thickness)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken stock (or bone broth)
- 1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves (minced, divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 lime (juiced)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt and coat the pan.
- Cook the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot skillet and cook for 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. If needed, add a small amount of butter or oil. Cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.
- Add liquids and herbs: Stir in the chicken stock, about two-thirds of the minced cilantro, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half, intensifying the flavors.
- Add cream and lime juice: Whisk in the heavy cream and half of the lime juice. Taste the sauce and add more lime juice if desired for extra brightness.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy cilantro lime sauce over them to coat and reheat gently.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the remaining cilantro on top as a fresh garnish before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped jalapeños.
- Use bone broth for a richer and more nutritious sauce.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad to make a complete meal.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
