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
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 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.
