Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken (Printer-Friendly Version)
Tender chicken in a bright lime-cilantro sauce with creamy texture and a hint of gentle heat.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Sauce & Marinade
03 -
240 ml low-sodium chicken broth
04 -
120 ml heavy cream
05 -
60 g cream cheese, softened
06 -
Juice of 2 limes (approximately 60 ml)
07 -
Zest of 1 lime
08 -
15 g fresh cilantro, finely chopped
→ Aromatics & Seasonings
09 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 -
1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
11 -
½ teaspoon ground cumin
12 -
¼ teaspoon red-pepper flakes (optional)
13 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and ground cumin. Let rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
02 -
Whisk together lime juice, lime zest, and a splash of chicken broth to create a light marinade.
03 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken breasts in skillet, spacing apart. Sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side, forming a golden crust while internal meat remains pink.
04 -
Transfer seared chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
05 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic, jalapeño (if using), and red-pepper flakes. Stir continuously for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant without browning the garlic.
06 -
Pour remaining chicken broth into skillet, scraping up browned bits. Stir in cream cheese until melted, then whisk in heavy cream. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
07 -
Incorporate lime juice, zest, and half of the chopped cilantro into the sauce. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
08 -
Return chicken breasts to skillet, spoon sauce over them. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 74°C.
09 -
Remove skillet from heat. Let chicken rest uncovered for 3 minutes. Garnish with remaining cilantro and a drizzle of fresh lime juice before serving over rice, quinoa, or salad.
# Handy Cooking Tips:
01 -
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and consistent browning.
02 -
Pat chicken dry before searing to ensure a golden crust and to lock in juices.
03 -
Simmer sauce gently to prevent cream separation and achieve a velvety texture.
04 -
Check internal temperature to ensure chicken is safely cooked without overcooking.