Are you ready to elevate your weeknight cooking from ordinary to extraordinary? This Cilantro Lime Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with bright lime and herbaceous cilantro, perfectly seared and topped with a bold, tangy chimichurri sauce that will make your dinner guests think you've secretly trained in a professional kitchen. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both impressive and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chimichurri sauce
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor).
- Preheat grill or large skillet to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F).
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard remaining marinade.
- Grill or pan-sear chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring chicken is fully cooked and has nice golden-brown exterior.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate chicken and generously drizzle chimichurri sauce over the top.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. While 30 minutes works, letting the chicken sit for up to 2 hours will develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches exactly 165°F—this guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked meat without drying.
- Let It Rest: Always allow your chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender and preventing dryness.
- Chimichurri Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, make your chimichurri sauce a few hours ahead of time to let the herbs and garlic meld together.
- Grill vs. Skillet: While grilling offers beautiful char marks, a cast-iron skillet can provide an equally delicious golden-brown crust if outdoor grilling isn't an option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 390kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 31g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
