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Cilantro Lime Chicken

A bright, zesty chicken dinner marinated in garlic, cumin, lime, and cilantro, ready in just 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican-inspired
Calories: 405
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 0.5 yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice divided
  • 1 lime zest zest of 1 lime
  • 4 tbsp fresh cilantro roughly chopped, divided
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 tbsp crumbled cotija cheese for serving

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • large skillet
  • Air fryer (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, onion, garlic, cumin, lime zest, half of the lime juice, and half of the cilantro, along with half of the olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. If time allows, refrigerate the marinated chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Stovetop: Warm the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches if needed, about 4 to 5 minutes, until each piece is nicely browned and cooked through. Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F, lightly grease the basket with the remaining olive oil, and arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and fully cooked.
  3. Once cooked, toss the chicken with the remaining lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Serve alongside your choice of vegetables and grains, then top with the crumbled cotija cheese.
  5. Enjoy.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, or in the microwave for convenience. Freezes well either raw in the marinade or fully cooked. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts; add 1-2 extra minutes of cook time.