Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Pan Seared Cilantro Lime Chicken! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's bursting with zesty lime, aromatic cilantro, and perfectly golden-brown chicken that's crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy on the inside. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend culinary enthusiast, this Mexican-inspired recipe will become your new go-to meal that promises to impress family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing and remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Mince fresh garlic cloves finely to release maximum flavor and aroma.
- Chop fresh cilantro leaves, reserving some for garnish at the end of cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering and hot.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote even searing.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, allowing a golden-brown crust to develop.
- Flip chicken breasts and add minced garlic to the pan, cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken during the last minute of cooking to infuse bright, citrusy flavor.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve that coveted golden-brown crust. Moisture is the enemy of a perfect sear!
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and consistent cooking. Cast iron works best for achieving that beautiful caramelization.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - give each chicken breast enough space to ensure proper searing and prevent steaming.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C) to ensure both safety and juiciness.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.
- Fresh ingredients make all the difference - use freshly squeezed lime juice and just-chopped cilantro for the most vibrant flavors.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking to enhance the citrus and herb profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 18mg
