Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
This creamy cilantro lime chicken combines tender seared chicken breasts with a zesty, herbaceous sauce made from fresh lime juice, garlic, and cream. Perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal!
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 6-8 oz each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice about 3-4 limes
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove and rest.
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Stir in heavy cream, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, and simmer for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
Use fresh lime juice and add cilantro at the end for best flavor. Rest chicken before slicing to retain juices. Substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free option.