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Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

This Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe features tender pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious, tangy sauce made with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and creamy heavy cream. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish combines zesty citrus with aromatic herbs to create an indulgent yet easy-to-make meal that pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or steamed vegetables.


Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Cooking Fats and Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra if needed
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Garnishes (optional)

  • Lime wedges
  • Chopped green onions
  • Additional chopped cilantro


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides lightly with kosher salt, black pepper, and cumin to infuse flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cutlets and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are browned and just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Sauté Onions: If the skillet looks dry, add a small drizzle of olive oil. Add diced red onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften, releasing their sweetness.
  4. Add Garlic and Deglaze: Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Immediately pour in the chicken broth and lime juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits which add flavor to the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium and let it bubble gently for 3-4 minutes to slightly reduce and concentrate the flavors.
  5. Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and chopped cilantro until the sauce is well blended. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
  6. Warm Through and Season: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 2 minutes to warm the chicken through. Spoon the sauce over the chicken frequently and taste the sauce, adjusting seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.
  7. Serve: Plate the chicken with sauce and garnish with lime wedges, green onions, and extra cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for a creamy, zesty, and herbaceous meal.

Notes

  • Slice the chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best citrus flavor.
  • Adjust cilantro amount to your taste preference; it adds a fresh herbal note.
  • Serve with rice, quinoa, or warm tortillas to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth helps control saltiness but add salt gradually as needed.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican