Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry-Jalapeño Salsa
Try this Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry-Jalapeño Salsa recipe.
Try this Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry-Jalapeño Salsa recipe.
- kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- coarse black pepper
- 2 cups diced strawberries
- 2 limes, zested and juiced
- 1/2 upfresh cilantro leaves finely chopped
- 4 thinly sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts (i don’t panic. just butterfly 4 regular boneless skinless chicken breasts.)
- 1 jalapeã±o, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 upplus 1 tablespoon minced red onion
- 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
- 1/2 ime,juiced
- Carbohydrate 0.7699690613361 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.68963937572367 g
- Fiber 0.0191562500234849 g
- Protein 0.0098343749957625 g
- Saturated Fat 0.233653125099924 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (3g)
- Sodium 75.676037499958 mg
- Sugar 0.750812811312615 g
- Trans Fat 0.0457893750195972 g
- Calories 18 calories
Step-by-step
- In a shallow baking dish, whisk together the lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, honey and cilantro with a pinch of salt. Briefly set aside.
- Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin or tenderizer (or random heavy object), pound the chicken until about ½-inch thick.
- Place the pounded chicken breasts into the baking dish, and make sure each one is well coated in marinade. Press plastic wrap on the surface of the chicken and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
- While your chicken is marinating, place all the ingredients for the salsa in a medium bowl. Gently mix the ingredients with a fork (you don’t want to smoosh your strawberries), and season with salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Heat a clean, lightly oiled grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and pat them dry. Season both sides of each breast with kosher salt and coarse black pepper.
- When the grill/grill pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3½ minutes per side until grill marks appear and chicken is just cooked through.
- Remove chicken to a plate and serve with strawberry-jalapeño salsa.
Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry-Jalapeño Salsa: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present to-do list looming overhead. But I've discovered a secret weapon in my arsenal against weeknight dinner dilemmas: simple, flavorful recipes that require minimal prep time and maximum impact. This Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry-Jalapeño Salsa is one of those recipes.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, yet elegant enough to impress guests. The vibrant flavors of the cilantro-lime marinade perfectly complement the sweet and spicy kick of the strawberry-jalapeño salsa. The chicken cooks quickly on the grill (or in a grill pan, if you’re like me and don’t own a grill!), leaving you with tender, juicy meat that's bursting with flavor. And the salsa? Don’t even get me started! The unexpected combination of sweet strawberries and spicy jalapeños is simply divine. It’s a delightful dance of contrasting textures and tastes that elevates this dish to a whole new level.
What I love most about this recipe:
- Speed: The marinade takes minutes to prepare, and the chicken cooks quickly. It's a lifesaver on busy evenings.
- Flavor: The vibrant, fresh flavors are incredibly satisfying and leave you feeling refreshed rather than weighed down.
- Health: It’s a healthy and balanced meal, packed with protein and nutrients from the chicken and the fresh salsa.
- Ease: Even a novice cook can master this recipe. The steps are straightforward, and the results are consistently impressive.
Beyond the Plate:
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. In the summer months, when strawberries are at their peak, the salsa is unbelievably flavorful. The vibrant colors of the dish are a feast for the eyes, adding a touch of summer sunshine to even the most hectic of evenings. I often serve this with a simple side of quinoa or brown rice for a complete and well-balanced meal.
Making it Your Own:
Feel free to experiment with the salsa ingredients. If you’re not a fan of jalapeños, you can omit them or use a milder pepper. Similarly, you can substitute other berries for the strawberries, depending on what’s in season. I've even tried adding a little mango for an extra tropical twist. The possibilities are endless!
This Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry-Jalapeño Salsa recipe is a true testament to the fact that healthy and delicious doesn't have to be complicated. It's a recipe that I've made countless times, and it always receives rave reviews. It's the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your culinary repertoire – a go-to meal that you can always rely on to satisfy your taste buds and your need for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner. So, the next time you're short on time but craving a flavorful and healthy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish with a side of rice, quinoa, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. It's also delicious served in tacos or with a side salad.
