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Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken

Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken

Craving something fresh and flavorful? This Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken is the perfect easy weeknight dinner. The zesty lime and sweet peaches create a vibrant dish that is sure to impress. Fire up the grill tonight and enjoy a taste of summer!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 peach, diced
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime, freshly juiced
  • pinch salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Wooden Spoon
  • Grater
  • Blender
  • Cutting Board
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's Knife

Method
 

  1. First, take your chicken breasts and place them in a bowl, a baking dish, or a resealable bag. This is where the magic begins! The chicken needs to soak in all those delicious flavors, so make sure it’s well coated. I recommend using a resealable bag for easy mixing and marinating.
  2. Next, it’s time to create the marinade. Combine the cilantro, lime juice, honey, garlic, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and olive oil in a blender. Blend until smooth. This marinade is not only flavorful but also tenderizes the chicken beautifully. Pour this vibrant mixture over the chicken and give it a good shake or stir, ensuring every piece is coated. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours works wonders.
  3. While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to high heat. I like to let it come up to around 500 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s essential to have a hot grill to achieve that perfect sear on the chicken. Preheating is critical, so don’t skip this step!
  4. Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grates. Grill each side for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. I like to press down slightly to ensure a good contact with the grill for that delicious char.
  5. While the chicken grills, I often toss some corn on the cob directly on the grill. It adds a nice touch to the meal! Grill the corn for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve even cooking. The flavors of the grilled corn complement the chicken beautifully.
  6. After the chicken is cooked, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender bite. After resting, slice the chicken into strips, ready to serve.
  7. Now for the pico de gallo! In a bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients: cherry tomatoes, peach, shallot, jalapeno, and the extra cilantro. Stir until well combined. You can make this a day ahead of time; it’s fantastic even after sitting for 10 to 15 minutes. The flavors develop beautifully, making it a refreshing topping for your Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken.
  8. Finally, serve the grilled chicken topped with the peach pico de gallo. The sweet and spicy combination will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Notes

When preparing Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken, the quality and freshness of the ingredients are paramount. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavors. The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the chicken, which is complemented by the zesty marinade. Fresh herbs like cilantro provide not only flavor but also a burst of color. The addition of peaches in the pico de gallo adds a wonderful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory aspects of the dish. Together, they create a well-rounded meal that is sure to impress.