Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 large limes (about 1/4 cup)
- Zest of 1 large lime
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, ground cumin, minced garlic, and salt. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed, forming your chili lime marinade.
- Step 2: Add the cut chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook in batches if your pan is not large enough.
- Step 4: Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through, no longer pink in the center, and has a slight char on the outside. (Internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Step 5: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or an extra lime wedge if desired.
Notes
- Store any leftover Chili Lime Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making future meals deliciously simple.
- To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to maintain its moisture, or microwave in short bursts until just heated through.
- Serve your vibrant Chili Lime Chicken over a bed of fluffy cilantro-lime rice, tucked into warm tortillas with avocado, or as a zesty protein boost atop a fresh green salad.
- For the most flavorful and tender chicken, aim for the full 2-hour marinating time, and always remember to zest your lime before juicing it to capture all those aromatic oils!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American