Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a deliciously easy dinner that bursts with zesty flavor and creamy goodness, this Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is a total game-changer. Juicy chicken breasts are simmered in a dreamy cilantro lime sauce that’s tangy, fresh, and oh-so-satisfying—ideal for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or impressing guests. Trust me, this is one skillet meal you’ll want on repeat. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Super quick—ready in just about 30 minutes, start to finish.
- Loaded with fresh, tangy, and creamy flavors that please every palate.
- One-pan recipe means minimal cleanup and less kitchen fuss.
- Perfectly pairs with rice, pasta, or veggies for a hearty meal.
- Great for meal prep—flavors deepen and improve overnight!
Ingredients for Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
How to Make Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
Lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, lime juice, and lime zest. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in chopped cilantro, and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes for the Perfect Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
- For dairy-free, swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a different but delicious flavor. Check out this guide to coconut milk for more info.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the chicken—juicy is best!
- The sauce thickens as it stands; if it gets too thick, loosen it up with extra broth or a splash of water.
Variations on Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to the sauce for extra heat.
- Cheesy Version: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan at the end for a cheesy twist.
- Grilled Chicken: Grill chicken breasts and pour the creamy cilantro lime sauce over just before serving.
Equipment Needed for Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Large skillet (preferably nonstick or cast iron)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Storing Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second increments, adding a splash of broth if the sauce needs thinning. This dish is not freezer-friendly as the sauce can separate.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Serve over fluffy rice, quinoa, or pasta to soak up the luscious sauce.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Add warm tortillas for a Tex-Mex twist!
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Let chicken rest before slicing to lock in juices—learn more about resting meat here.
- Always zest limes before juicing for maximum citrusy flavor.
- Chop cilantro just before adding it for the freshest, most vibrant taste; discover more cilantro nutrition facts at Medical News Today.
FAQ: Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great—just adjust cooking time as needed.
- Can I make Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken ahead?
- Yes, it reheats well and flavors deepen overnight—perfect for meal prep!
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and double-check all labels.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
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1Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Pour in chicken broth and lime juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
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5Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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6Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and simmer for another 2 minutes. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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