Fiesta Lime Chicken with Cilantro Lime Salsa

Fiesta Lime Chicken with Cilantro Lime Salsa

🐔 Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Juice of 2 limes

• 1 tsp lime zest

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp cumin

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt & black pepper (to taste)

For the Cilantro Lime Salsa:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (diced)

• ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small jalapeño (finely chopped, optional)

• Salt to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

• Sliced avocado

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Crushed tortilla chips

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, zest, and all spices.
   Coat chicken well and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for best flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
   Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temp 75°C / 165°F).
   Optional: In the last minute, sprinkle cheese on top and cover to melt.

3. Prepare the Salsa:
   In a bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, jalapeño, and salt. Mix well.

4. Serve:
   Place chicken on a plate, top with fresh cilantro lime salsa.
   Add avocado slices, sour cream, or tortilla chips if desired.

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes! Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes.

Q2: How do I make it spicier?
Add extra jalapeño, red chili flakes, or hot sauce to the marinade.

Q3: Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely! Store chicken and salsa separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q4: What sides go best with this dish?
Mexican rice, cilantro lime rice, black beans, or grilled corn.

Q5: Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work great and stay extra juicy.