Name: Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed is best!); 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Cooked rice (white or brown); Black beans; Corn; Diced tomatoes; Shredded lettuce; Avocado slices; Sour cream or Greek yogurt; Lime wedges

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed is best!)

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon butter

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Cooked rice (white or brown), black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado slices, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing lightly to help it adhere.

Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

Step 6: In the same skillet (do not wipe it out), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not burnt.

Step 7: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 9: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lime juice, cilantro, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 10: Slice the chicken breasts against the grain into thin strips. Serve over rice, in bowls with beans, corn, vegetables, or use as taco or burrito filling. Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.

Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version with a subtle tropical twist.

Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for more heat.

Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil if cilantro isn’t available or preferred.

Serve with warm tortillas for easy homemade tacos or burritos.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to prevent the sauce from separating. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and offer a juicier, more flavorful option. Adjust cooking time as needed since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is the sauce freezer-friendly?

The sauce can be frozen, but cream-based sauces may separate upon thawing. To reheat, thaw slowly in the refrigerator and warm gently, stirring well and adding a bit of cream or broth to restore consistency.