Ignite your taste buds with "Viva La Chicken," a zesty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. This recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a mouthwatering blend of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and bold spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. The smoky, citrusy flavors are enhanced with a simmered sauce made from chicken broth and optional jalapeño for a customizable kick of heat. Finished with a fresh sprinkle of cilantro, this versatile dish can be served over rice, folded into warm tortillas, or paired with your favorite sides. Quick to prep and easy to cook, "Viva La Chicken" is destined to be a standout in your recipe rotation, offering vibrant flavors in every bite.
In a small bowl, combine lime juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
Cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
In the same pan, add the chicken broth and diced jalapeño (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to deglaze and create a flavorful sauce.
Slice the chicken into strips and return it to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Serve Viva La Chicken with rice, tortillas, or a side of your choice.
Calories |
1606 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.1 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.6 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 3253 mg | 141% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.7 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.2 g | ||
| Protein | 219.2 g | 438% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 144 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 2142 mg | 46% | |
*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.