I am all about the easy, weeknight recipes that don’t compromise flavor and this chili lime chicken is no exception. Seasoned chicken breast get cooked then topped with a spicy and zesty lime sauce.
The chicken stays juicy and so flavorful, and is so delicious over rice with a side salad. This recipe is the perfect 30-minute dinner to make if you’re looking for new ways to enjoy chicken!
Chili Lime Marinade
This marinade comes together so easily, and has a touch of sweetness from the honey. You’ll need just a few simple ingredients like olive oil, fresh lime juice, cilantro and chili flakes.
While I absolutely loved it served over grilled chicken, it would also pair well with salmon, tofu or even veggies.
What you’ll need to make this recipe
- Chicken breast– I used two large chicken breast that I cut into smaller pieces. You can also prepare this using chicken thighs
- Spices– the chicken is seasoned in some paprika, cumin, salt & pepper
- Olive oil– you’ll need olive oil to marinate the chicken and for the chili lime sauce
- Cilantro– fresh, chopped cilantro is used as the base of the sauce
- Fresh lime juice– for the perfect zesty flavor
- Honey– to add a touch of sweetness
- Garlic– a non-negotiable in sauces and marinades
- Red pepper flakes and Chili Pepper– for extra heat
- Start by preparing the chili lime marinade by combining the sauce ingredients together
- Season the chicken in your spices, olive oil and a spoonful of the chili lime marinade. You can marinate this for a few hours, or grill the chicken right away
- Cook the chicken on a heated skillet for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken while still in the pan
- Transfer the chicken to your serving plate and top with the remaining chili lime marinade
How to serve your chicken
I love to keep things simple for dinner and stick to a hearty protein, side of carb and a fun veggie. Here are a few serving suggestions for chili lime chicken:
- Serve with rice and a side of maple dijon roasted carrots
- Pair with pearl couscous with roasted vegetables
- Cut the chicken into smaller bites and eat over a hearty kale salad
More easy dinner recipes to you’ll love:
Honey Mustard Salmon Bites and Veggies
Sheet-pan Honey Sriracha Chicken
Chickpea Couscous Salad with Cumin Vinaigrette
Chili Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breast (1-1.2 lbs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili lime marinade
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Chili Lime Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice from 1 lime
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced
- Pinch salt
Directions
- Prepare the chili lime marinade by combining all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Mix together well.
- Slice your chicken breast in half, lengthwise, then cut into smaller pieces. Add the chicken to a large bowl and mix with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili lime marinade and the listed spices. Toss to combine. You can marinate the chicken until ready to grill, or cook right away.
- Heat a large skillet on medium heat then drizzle lightly with olive oil. Cook the chicken on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Near the end of cook time, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken while still in the pan.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and top with any remaining sauce from the pan.
It’s been marinading the previously raw chicken!
Health hazard for sure🤢
Hi Nicola, I just reworded that step as I meant any remaining sauce from the pan!
This is a delicious recipe but I do have a question about step 2. You use one Tbl of the marinade and add cumin and paprika to the chicken. This leaves a fair amount of marinade and I wonder what you do with it? Apologies if this is a dumb question, I’m not much of a cook.
Hi Randall, not a dumb question at all! Usually if I marinate chicken or other proteins and there’s remaining marinade in the bowl, I just pour it into the pan along with the chicken when I cook it.