Description
Fiesta Lime Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts coated with a zesty spice mix and topped with a creamy lime sauce. Perfectly paired with rice, black beans, corn, and fresh toppings, this recipe offers a festive and satisfying meal that brings a touch of fiesta to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Spices
- 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
Fiesta Lime Sauce
- 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
Serving Suggestions
- Cooked rice (white or brown)
- Black beans
- Corn
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: 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 to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing lightly so the spices adhere.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing it for searing the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts carefully into the hot skillet without overcrowding. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for precision. Cook in batches if needed.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove cooked chicken from skillet and place on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce.
- Make the Fiesta Lime Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer Sauce: Lower heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Slice chicken breasts against the grain into thin strips. Serve over rice or with toppings such as black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado slices, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and lime wedges. Garnish with extra cilantro and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice in the sauce.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken to ensure even searing.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- The sauce can be adjusted by omitting red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- This dish pairs well with Mexican rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Fiesta Lime Chicken, creamy lime chicken, Mexican chicken, pan-seared chicken, lime sauce, easy dinner recipe
