Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dinner recipe that combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich, tangy lime cream sauce. Fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, and a silky buttery finish create a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or serving guests, this Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy sauce with bright citrus flavor
• Easy one-pan meal with minimal cleanup
• Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners
• Tender, juicy chicken every time
• Pairs beautifully with rice, vegetables, or mashed potatoes
• Simple ingredients with impressive results

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds (24 ounces/680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) chicken broth, reduced sodium preferred
• 3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped red onion
• 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter
• Optional: lime wedges for garnish
• Optional: extra cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If needed, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes, turning once, until nicely browned on both sides. Transfer to a plate and loosely cover with foil.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and add chicken broth, lime juice, red onion, cilantro, and red pepper flakes.
6. Return the skillet to the heat and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until reduced to about 1/2 cup.
8. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and butter until smooth and fully combined.
9. Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat with the sauce. This Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken develops its signature flavor as the chicken absorbs the creamy citrus sauce.
10. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 5–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
11. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving.
12. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro if desired.

Tips & Tricks

• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest flavor.
• Pound chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
• For extra richness, add an additional tablespoon of butter before serving.
• Boneless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain moisture.

Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet & Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb Friendly

Notes

• Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
• Add spinach during the final few minutes for extra vegetables.
• Fresh parsley can be used if cilantro is unavailable.
• A splash of extra lime juice before serving enhances the flavor.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 37g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 420mg

FAQ

Can I make Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the recipe up to one day in advance and reheat gently before serving.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and stay extra juicy.

Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild heat from the red pepper flakes. Reduce or omit them for a milder version.

What should I serve with cilantro lime chicken?
Rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, quinoa, and salads all pair beautifully with this dish.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, although cream-based sauces may slightly change texture after thawing.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

Storage

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating:
Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring the sauce occasionally. If needed, add a splash of broth to restore the creamy consistency.

Similar Recipes

• BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl: Easy Flavor Packed Meal
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is a simple one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich lime cream sauce.

Made with fresh cilantro, butter, and lime juice.

Ready in about 40 minutes and perfect for weeknight meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds 24 ounces/680g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups 360ml chicken broth, reduced sodium preferred
• 3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup 60g chopped red onion
• 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 –1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup 80ml heavy cream
• 1/4 cup 56g unsalted butter
• Optional: lime wedges for garnish
• Optional: extra cilantro for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• If needed, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes, turning once, until nicely browned on both sides. Transfer to a plate and loosely cover with foil.
• Remove the skillet from heat and add chicken broth, lime juice, red onion, cilantro, and red pepper flakes.
• Return the skillet to the heat and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until reduced to about 1/2 cup.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and butter until smooth and fully combined.
• Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat with the sauce. This Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken develops its signature flavor as the chicken absorbs the creamy citrus sauce.
• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 5–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving.
• Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

• Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
• Add spinach during the final few minutes for extra vegetables.
• Fresh parsley can be used if cilantro is unavailable.
• A splash of extra lime juice before serving enhances the flavor.

 

Conclusion

This Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken delivers everything you want in an easy dinner recipe: tender chicken, a velvety sauce, and bright citrus flavor in every bite. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a dependable meal that feels special enough for guests while remaining easy enough for weeknight cooking.