Why We Love Garlic Lime Chicken
You can never really have too many simple chicken recipes, can you? We eat chicken for dinner several nights a week, so I’m always looking for new ways to spice things up. Recently I made a pan-seared skillet chicken recipe for the kids that they absolutely loved. We called it Garlic Lime Skillet Chicken because I used fresh ingredients we always have on hand: lime, garlic, onions, and cilantro. However, the garlic and lime flavors were the stand-outs. It turned out seriously good. The simple garlicky pan sauce goes perfectly with a side of piping hot rice to make it a full meal! Ready to give it a try?
Ingredients You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this fabulous Lime Chicken Recipe!
Chicken – four skinless boneless chicken breasts to be exact. Lime – the juice and zest are needed for this recipe. Jalapeño – this ingredient is optional! Onion – a basic but essential addition to the recipe. Garlic – one of the main flavor points. Smoked Paprika – this smokey flavor enhances all of the other flavors. Crushed Red Peppers – this gives the recipe some spice which you can adjust to your liking. Heavy Cream – this makes the sauce nice and silky smooth.
How to Make Garlic Lime Chicken
Heat a large skillet with olive oil to medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts. Quickly sear the chicken in the skillet to give it a golden-brown crust. Then remove from the skillet. Then add the onions, garlic, and grated jalapeno to the skillet. Saute to soften. Then add the chicken broth, lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, paprika, and crushed red pepper. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for several minutes to finish cooking. The flavors meld together to create a rich tangy flavor with a punch of heat, that you can adjust to taste. Finally, add a splash of cream to the sauce for a silky finish. Serve the chicken with rice or grilled veggies with a spoonful or two of the garlic lime pan sauce over the top! Garlic Lime Skillet Chicken is zesty and comforting, yet light enough to enjoy as often as you like.
Tips & Tricks
Don’t over or undercook the chicken! For the perfect lime garlic chicken that is tender and juicy, make sure to cook the chicken breast to 165 F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy! If you are sensitive to spice, add only some jalapeño or omit it entirely! Serve this best garlic lime skillet chicken with cheesy enchilada rice or cauliflower rice for a low carb chicken dinner!
Can I use chicken thighs in this recipe?
You can certainly use chicken thighs in this garlic lime chicken recipe instead of chicken breast if you prefer! If the chicken thighs have the skin on, make sure to sear the skin side down until golden brown. Both chicken thighs and chicken breast should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F!
What kind of skillet should I use?
The best skillet for this chicken recipe is a heavy bottom, large skillet. This will ensure an even heat distribution! Something like a cast iron skillet would be great but you can also use stainless steal or a nonstick pan of your choice.
How should I serve garlic lime chicken?
It’s also an appealing leftover. Try slicing the Garlic Lime Chicken to top a salad or add to a wrap. Even served cold, this spicy tangy chicken recipe is a winner! Or try whipping up a quick side dish to go along with this chicken recipe:
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad Spicy Mesquite Twice Baked Potatoes Roasted Beet Chickpea Kale Salad
Looking for More Chicken Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
Muffuletta Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe Chicken Enchilada Pinwheel Recipe Buffalo Chicken Pimento Cheese Pizza Bagels Cheesy Ranch Chicken Potato Foil Packets Mini Baked Chimichangas Vietnamese Banh Mi Street Tacos Honey Butter Chicken from Real Housemoms
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