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Fiesta Lime Chicken

Zesty Fiesta Lime Chicken: Juicy, Easy, and Flavor-Packed!

A quick and delicious Fiesta Lime Chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken and a creamy zesty sauce, perfect for various meals.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Can swap with thighs for more flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be substituted with canola or avocado oil.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust to spice preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Replaceable with coriander.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic boosts intensity.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Can be omitted for low-FODMAP.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika is suitable.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Kosher salt offers better control.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Consider half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter version.
  • ½ cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth works for a non-chicken choice.
  • ¼ cup Lime Juice Freshly squeezed is best.
  • ¼ cup Chopped Cilantro Parsley serves as a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Olive oil works for dairy-free.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Freshly minced.
  • optional Red Pepper Flakes Adds heat, can be omitted.
For Serving
  • 4 cups Cooked Rice Brown or white rice per preference.
  • 1 can Black Beans Provides fiber and texture.
  • 1 cup Corn Frozen or fresh corn are great choices.
  • 1 cup Diced Tomatoes Salsa can be used for extra kick.
  • 2 cups Shredded Lettuce Any leafy green complements well.
  • 1 avocado Avocado Slices Easily omitted if not preferred.
  • ½ cup Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt Can be skipped for dairy-free meal.
  • 1 lime Lime Wedges Perfect for squeezing over before eating.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • meat thermometer
  • small bowl
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Pound the boneless, skinless chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap until they reach a uniform thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the seasoning blend, pressing gently to help it adhere.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once shimmering, place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of chicken broth, simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and red pepper flakes, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and serve over cooked rice or in warm tortillas. Drizzle the sauce over and top with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and avocado slices, if desired. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Even thickness of chicken ensures consistent cooking. Let skillet cool slightly after cooking chicken to retain fond for better flavor in sauce. Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust lime juice and seasonings as needed.

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