Easy One Skillet Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

There’s nothing quite like a comforting dish to bring everyone together, and that’s exactly what Easy One Skillet Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken does. Imagine coming home after a long day; the aroma of this creamy, zesty dish wafting through the air, instantly lifting your spirits and making your mouth water. I often find myself reaching for this recipe when I need a quick yet satisfying meal that never compromises on flavor. The best part? It all happens in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze, which is a godsend on busy nights.

What You Need for Easy One Skillet Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

When it comes to creating a beautiful dish, the ingredients are everything. Each component of this Easy One Skillet Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken plays a vital role in building flavor. From the tender, juicy chicken to the aromatic cilantro and zesty lime, these ingredients work together harmoniously to create a satisfying meal.

• 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, these chicken breasts are lean, tender, and soak up the flavors of the dish beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon oil of choice: This is used for searing the chicken, adding a nice depth of flavor right from the start.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Onions bring a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced: Garlic is a must for that aromatic punch, enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1 cup chicken broth: This adds moisture and richness to the sauce, making it creamy and luscious.
• Juice of 1 lime: The lime juice brightens the dish and adds a refreshing zing.
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a herbal brightness that complements the dish perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: This introduces a hint of heat, balancing the creaminess.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half, or sour cream or Greek yogurt: This is the key ingredient that brings everything together, creating a rich and creamy sauce.

The Process for Making Easy One Skillet Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

Now that we have all our ingredients prepped and ready to go, let’s dive into the process of making this delightful dish. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

1. In a large heavy-duty skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. It’s important to heat it properly for that perfect sear. Make sure the oil is shimmering before you add your chicken.
2. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning is key to bringing out the chicken’s natural flavor. Carefully add the chicken to the skillet, ensuring there’s space between each piece.
3. Cook the chicken for about 7 to 8 minutes, turning once. Look for a golden-brown color on the outside. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and cover with foil on a separate plate to keep it warm.
4. Add the onions to the same skillet without washing it. Sauté the onions for about 1 minute until they become translucent.
5. Next, add the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds. You want to be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter quickly.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the lime juice, cilantro, red pepper flakes, and additional salt and pepper to taste. This is where the magic happens, so bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7. Allow the liquid to reduce for about 8 to 10 minutes or until it thickens slightly, reducing by about a quarter cup. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
8. During the last minute of cooking, whisk in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. This will give you that creamy texture that makes this dish so delicious.
9. Turn off the heat and return the cooked chicken to the skillet, allowing it to soak in all the luscious sauce.
10. Garnish with more cilantro for that fresh finish. Serve this dish with a side of steamed veggies or rice to soak up that incredible sauce. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Tips

When it comes to cooking, flexibility is key. Here are some handy tips and substitutions you might consider while making your Easy One Skillet Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken.

• Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it excellent for meal prep.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Just reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
• Pairing: Serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Ingredient swaps: Feel free to substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Fresh herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or basil if you’re not a fan of cilantro.

What to Serve With Easy One Skillet Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

When serving Easy One Skillet Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Steamed vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy option.
• Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Salad: A fresh garden salad with a citrus vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the zesty chicken.
• Tacos: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for soft tacos topped with your favorite garnishes.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a cozy date night at home.
• Storage tips: If you have leftovers, they can be kept in the fridge for a few days, ready to be enjoyed again.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Easy One Skillet Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken truly shines with its rich flavors and easy preparation. It’s a delightful dish that takes minimal effort while delivering maximum taste. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed. Your family and friends will love it, and it just might become a staple in your weekly rotation!

Easy One Skillet Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Easy One Skillet Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is a creamy, zesty dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor and made in one skillet, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 pieces medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon oil of choice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
• 1 cup chicken broth water can also be used
• 1 lime juice or 2 tablespoons
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• to taste salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half or sour cream or Greek yogurt

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Large Pot
• Skillet
• Whisk

Method

 

1. In a large heavy-duty skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken generously with salt and pepper then add the chicken and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, turning once or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and cover with foil on a separate plate, set aside.
2. Add onions to the same skillet (without washing it) and cook onion for 1 minute. Add garlic and cook for just 30 seconds.
3. Add chicken broth, lime juice, cilantro, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle boil for 8 to 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced by 1/4 cup.
4. Whisk in cream during the last minute. Turn off heat and return chicken to the sauce. Garnish with more cilantro. Serve with a side of steamed veggies or rice. Enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it excellent for meal prep.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Just reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
• Tip 3: Serve over fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Tip 4: Feel free to substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Tip 5: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or basil if you’re not a fan of cilantro.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!