There is something truly magical about combining tangy lime, fresh cilantro, and smoky grilled chicken, and when you add a bright, juicy strawberry salsa on top, it just elevates the whole experience. This Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like summer on a plate—full of vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and just the right balance of zest and sweetness. It’s a wonderful meal to share with friends or family, perfect for those warm evenings when you want something fresh, healthy, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with ingredients that are easy to find yet essential to creating a flavor profile that sings. Every element plays a role—from the bright lime juice that lifts the dish, to the fresh cilantro that adds herbaceous notes, and the juicy strawberries that bring a touch of natural sweetness and color.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein base for your grilled masterpiece.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist while adding subtle richness.
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes): Offers bright, tangy flavors that wake up the palate.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: A fresh herb that delivers an unmistakable aromatic burst.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and a mild pungency to the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings a warm earthiness that pairs beautifully with the lime.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Provides subtle smoky heat for complexity.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced: These lend a juicy pop and natural sweetness to the salsa.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced: Adds a sharp contrast and crunchy texture.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: A herbaceous freshness perfect for harmonizing the salsa.
- 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely diced (optional): For those who like a little kick in their salsa.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Keeps the salsa vibrant and tangy.
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional): Balances tartness with a gentle sweetness depending on your strawberries.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To season the salsa perfectly.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, fresh cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade is the heart of your chicken’s flavor, infusing it with bright, zesty notes and a touch of spice that grills up beautifully. Once combined, place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors sink in. If you have the time, a couple of hours is even better.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Salsa
While the chicken marinates, mix the diced strawberries, red onion, chopped cilantro, jalapeño (if you want some heat), lime juice, and optional honey in a bowl. Salt and pepper should be added to taste to bring out the fresh, vibrant flavors. The strawberry salsa is not only delicious but it also adds a colorful, refreshing contrast to the warm grilled chicken. Keep it chilled in the fridge to maintain its bright allure until serving.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. When ready, remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken breasts for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. That slight char combined with the tangy marinade creates an irresistibly smoky and fresh flavor. Once done, let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the grilled chicken and generously spoon the strawberry salsa over the top. The combination of the warm, juicy chicken with the sweet, tangy salsa is a match made in heaven. This step really brings the Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa Recipe to life, showcasing all the bold, fresh, and vibrant flavors you’ve carefully crafted.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, sprinkle a little extra chopped cilantro over the plated chicken. A thin wedge of lime on the side invites guests to add an extra splash of citrus, which brightens every bite. For added texture and visual appeal, consider lightly toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped avocado on top—they complement the salsa beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides that won’t compete with the bold chicken and salsa. Try a fluffy cilantro lime rice, quinoa tossed with fresh herbs, or a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and lime. Roasted vegetables or grilled corn on the cob also add a smoky, savory counterpoint that balances the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress or keep things casual? Serve the grilled chicken sliced atop a bed of mixed greens for a beautiful, light salad. Alternatively, pile it into warm tortillas with some extra salsa and a drizzle of creamy avocado or sour cream for a festive taco night. The versatility of this Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa Recipe means you can tailor it to your occasion or mood effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, pack any leftover chicken and strawberry salsa separately into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, the chicken keeps well for up to 3 days while maintaining juiciness, and the salsa’s fresh flavors will stay bright within 2 days.
Freezing
If you want to save the grilled chicken for a longer period, freeze the cooked breasts in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. The strawberry salsa, however, doesn’t freeze well because the texture changes, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or prepare a new batch when needed.
Reheating
When ready to eat leftovers, gently reheat the chicken in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, taking care not to overcook and dry it out. Serve immediately with fresh or chilled salsa to keep that wonderful contrast between warm chicken and cool topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the salsa?
Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe because they hold their shape and texture, while frozen ones tend to be mushy when thawed. If frozen is all you have, thaw and drain them well before using, but expect a softer salsa.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is mild by default, but adding the optional jalapeño in the salsa can introduce a nice, gentle heat. You can easily adjust the amount or omit it if you prefer no spice at all.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! The Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it perfect for gluten-free diets.
What can I substitute for fresh cilantro if I’m not a fan?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try fresh parsley or basil for a different but still vibrant herbaceous note. The flavor profile will shift slightly but remain delicious.
Can I grill the chicken indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, use a grill pan or a non-stick skillet on the stovetop. Just make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly and get a nice sear for that grilled flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa Recipe is an absolute joy to make and eat. Its fresh, bright flavors and beautiful color combination never fail to impress, whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just wanting a delicious weeknight meal that feels special. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring juicy marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and topped with a sweet and tangy strawberry salsa. This recipe combines zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and the subtle heat of jalapeño for a perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal healthy and colorful meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
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 for heat)
- 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 olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. This mixture will infuse the chicken with bright, aromatic flavors.
- Apply the Marinade: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to deepen the flavor.
- Prepare the Strawberry Salsa: In a separate bowl, mix together diced strawberries, red onion, chopped cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and honey (if using). Season with salt and pepper, then gently toss to combine and refrigerate until serving.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear and even cooking on the chicken breasts.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the meat is cooked through and juicy.
- Serve: Slice the grilled chicken breasts and top generously with the fresh strawberry salsa. For a balanced meal, pair with rice, quinoa, or a green salad.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours for the best flavor but avoid longer to prevent the lime juice from breaking down the meat excessively.
- The jalapeño in the salsa is optional—omit or reduce for less heat.
- Adjust honey in the salsa based on the sweetness of the strawberries to balance the tartness.
- Make sure the grill is well preheated to prevent sticking and to achieve grill marks.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
- Leftover salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
