Cilantro Lime Chicken: A Flavorful and Healthy Dinner

If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner that you can easily prepare at home, look no further than Cilantro Lime Chicken. This dish is bursting with flavor and can be served in various ways, whether on tortillas, rice, quinoa, or even a low-carb option like high-protein Kaizen rice. In this blog post, I'll walk you through the steps to create this delectable meal, along with some tasty accompaniments that will elevate your dining experience.

Cilantro Lime Chicken is not just a meal; it's an experience. The combination of zesty lime, aromatic cilantro, and savory spices creates a mouthwatering dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. Chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe due to their rich flavor and tenderness, making them the perfect canvas for the marinade. Plus, this dish is versatile enough to cater to various dietary preferences, whether you're looking for a healthy protein source or a flavorful addition to your favorite grain.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make this delightful Cilantro Lime Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Zest of 1 lime
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4-5 cloves crushed garlic
• ½ cup chopped cilantro

For the Accompaniments

• Express Pickled Shallots

  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • Pinches of salt
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• Avocado Salsa

  • 1 large avocado, cubed
  • 3-4 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinches of salt and pepper

• Cilantro Green Onion Sauce

  • ½ cup thick Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • A large handful of cilantro
  • 2 green onions (white and green parts)
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne powder
  • Juice of 1 lime

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken thighs. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with salt, pepper, olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, sweet paprika, oregano, cumin, crushed garlic, and chopped cilantro. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Ideally, let it marinate for at least 2 hours for maximum flavor, but if you're in a hurry, you can cook it right away.

2. Cooking the Chicken

You have several options for cooking your marinated chicken. You can grill it, air fry it, or bake it in the oven. I recommend baking it for a hands-off approach. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated chicken on an oven-safe tray. Bake for 33-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

3. Prepare the Accompaniments

While the chicken is baking, it's the perfect time to prepare your accompaniments.

Express Pickled Shallots

In a small bowl, combine the thinly sliced shallot with a few generous pinches of salt, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well, then let it sit for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Avocado Salsa

In another bowl, cube the avocado and add it to the bowl along with chopped cilantro, lime juice, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently, taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Cilantro Green Onion Sauce

For the cilantro green onion sauce, add Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, cilantro, green onions, cayenne powder, and lime juice to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Top the chicken with the avocado salsa and pickled shallots, drizzle with the cilantro green onion sauce, and add a splash of chipotle hot sauce if you like a little heat. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with sesame seeds.

I served my Cilantro Lime Chicken with high-protein low-carb Kaizen Spanish rice, which boasts 19g of protein and just 6 net carbs per serving. However, feel free to pair it with your favorite rice, quinoa, or tortillas for a satisfying meal.