Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and zesty Chicken Breasts Cilantro recipe, a must-try for lovers of fresh and bold flavors! Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a tantalizing blend of fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and warm spices, creating a symphony of citrusy, herbaceous goodness in every bite. The marinade doubles as a drizzle, ensuring the chicken stays flavorful and moist. Perfectly cooked in a skillet or grill pan to achieve a golden-brown sear, this dish is finished with a garnish of lime zest and extra cilantro for a fresh pop of flavor. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or a crisp salad, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings or casual family meals. Whether you're searching for a healthy chicken dinner idea or a dish that celebrates vibrant cilantro, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound them gently with a meat mallet until they are about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.
In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro leaves, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and water. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade for later use and pour the rest into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Add the chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and place the chicken in the preheated skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden-brown and cooked through.
While the chicken cooks, heat the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed.
Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle the warmed reserved marinade over the chicken before serving.
Sprinkle with fresh lime zest and additional chopped cilantro for garnish. Serve with your choice of side dishes, such as rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Calories |
1475 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.5 g | 72% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.3 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 572 mg | 191% | |
| Sodium | 2933 mg | 128% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.5 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.1 g | ||
| Protein | 218.4 g | 437% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 246 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 10.3 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 805 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.