Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
Ready for a dish that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful? This Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa is a total game-changer! Imagine perfectly grilled chicken with a zesty cilantro-lime marinade, paired with a sweet and tangy strawberry salsa that adds a burst of freshness in every bite. Whether you’re grilling in the summer or looking to brighten up a cozy dinner, this dish will make your taste buds sing. Trust me, you’re going to love how the juicy chicken and vibrant salsa come together in this simple yet stunning meal.
Why You’ll Love Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
Here’s why this dish will quickly become one of your favorites:
Versatile: Serve it with rice, quinoa, a side salad, or even as a taco filling. It’s super flexible!
Budget-Friendly: It uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
Quick and Easy: Marinate the chicken, throw it on the grill, and top with the fresh salsa. It’s so simple but looks like you’ve been cooking all day.
Customizable: If strawberries aren’t your thing, you can swap them for mango, peaches, or pineapple for a different fruity twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: The balance of savory, zesty chicken and sweet salsa is always a hit with everyone, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients in Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
Here’s what you’ll need to make this fresh and flavorful dish:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect choice for this recipe. They stay tender and juicy while soaking up all that cilantro-lime goodness.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key to the marinade and salsa, bringing a vibrant, herby note that makes this dish sing.
Limes: The zesty juice of fresh limes brings that tangy kick to both the marinade and the salsa.
Garlic: A little garlic adds depth of flavor and complements the lime and cilantro perfectly.
Olive Oil: Helps the marinade stick to the chicken while keeping it moist and tender as it grills.
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star of the salsa, adding sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives the salsa a sharp bite that balances out the sweetness of the strawberries.
Jalapeño: A little kick from the jalapeño adds heat and depth to the salsa. You can leave it out or use less if you’re not a fan of spice.
Honey: A touch of honey brings a little sweetness to the salsa, enhancing the strawberries’ natural flavors.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors in both the chicken and salsa.
Instructions
Ready to make some magic? Here’s how to put it all together:
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together the juice of the limes, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with this marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to soak up all the flavors.
Prepare the Salsa: While the chicken marinates, combine the chopped strawberries, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and honey in a bowl. Stir in some chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set it aside and let the flavors meld.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Slice it up and serve it topped with the fresh strawberry salsa. Serve with your favorite side dishes, or enjoy it on its own!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes (for marinade)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
This dish is perfect for any occasion, and there are plenty of ways to serve it:
– Pair it with a light salad like a simple mixed greens salad or a cucumber-tomato salad to keep it fresh and light.
– Serve over a bed of cilantro-lime rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
– Make it into tacos! Serve the grilled chicken with warm tortillas, a spoonful of salsa, and a dollop of sour cream or avocado.
– For a refreshing touch, serve alongside grilled veggies like corn on the cob, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to get the most out of this recipe:
– Don’t skip the resting time for the chicken—it helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
– If you’re short on time, you can marinate the chicken for just 15 minutes, but the longer, the better.
– Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of breasts for even more flavor and juiciness.
– For a fun twist, serve the chicken with a side of tortilla chips for a taco-inspired crunch.
FAQ’s
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and will be even juicier and more flavorful. - Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salsa a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving. - Can I use frozen strawberries for the salsa?
Fresh strawberries are best for this dish, but if you only have frozen, just make sure they’re fully thawed and drained before using them. - How spicy is the salsa?
The salsa has a mild heat from the jalapeño, but you can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. Remove the seeds to make it milder. - Can I grill the chicken indoors?
Yes! You can use a grill pan or a broiler if you’re not using an outdoor grill. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and salsa separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken (without the salsa) for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to serve. - Can I add other fruits to the salsa?
Absolutely! Try adding diced mango, pineapple, or peaches for a tropical twist. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! - Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can marinate the chicken the night before and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. The salsa can also be made ahead of time.
Conclusion
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa is a bright, fresh, and flavorful dish that will definitely impress at your next meal. The tangy chicken and sweet salsa come together in a perfect harmony of tastes that everyone will love. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so there’s no excuse not to try it! Grab your grill and get ready to enjoy this deliciously refreshing meal.
PrintCilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines juicy grilled chicken with a sweet and tangy strawberry salsa. The zesty lime and fragrant cilantro bring out the bright flavors in this dish, making it perfect for summer meals, BBQs, or a healthy dinner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines juicy grilled chicken with a sweet and tangy strawberry salsa. The zesty lime and fragrant cilantro bring out the bright flavors in this dish, making it perfect for summer meals, BBQs, or a healthy dinner option.
Instructions
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp lime juice (fresh)
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup diced strawberries
– 1/4 cup diced red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for salsa)
– 1 tbsp lime juice (for salsa)
– 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
– 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Notes
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp lime juice (fresh)
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup diced strawberries
– 1/4 cup diced red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for salsa)
– 1 tbsp lime juice (for salsa)
– 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
– 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 36 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
