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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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
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.