Description
A vibrant and fresh Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken topped with a sweet and slightly spicy Strawberry Salsa. This quick and easy recipe perfectly blends tangy citrus, aromatic herbs, and juicy grilled chicken for a healthy and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Strawberry Salsa:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely diced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, depending on sweetness of strawberries)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Prepare the Chicken for Marinating: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the Strawberry Salsa: In a separate bowl, combine the diced strawberries, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, finely diced jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and honey if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then gently toss to combine the ingredients well. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the chicken thoroughly and evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding any excess liquid. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
- Serve: Slice the grilled chicken breast and top it generously with the chilled strawberry salsa. Optionally, serve with a side of rice, quinoa, or a green salad to complete the meal.
Notes
- For added heat, include the jalapeño in the salsa, or omit for a milder flavor.
- Marinating the chicken longer will enhance the flavor, but do not exceed 2 hours to avoid texture changes.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is safely cooked.
- Honey in the salsa is optional and can be adjusted based on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- This recipe pairs well with light sides like quinoa or fresh green salads for a balanced meal.
