Cilantro Lime Chicken

Quick Answers

Cilantro Lime Chicken: Step by Step

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1. Whisk the lime juice, lime zest, 1 tbsp of the oil, the cilantro, garlic, cumin, chilli powder, salt and pepper in a shallow dish.

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2. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Leave it for 10 minutes while the pan heats.

   Mark done Start 10 min timer

3. Heat the remaining oil in a large frying pan or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lift the chicken out of the marinade and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until deeply golden and cooked through. Discard the marinade left in the dish.

   Mark done Start 5 min timer

4. Rest the chicken for 3 minutes, then scatter with a little extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

   Mark done Start 3 min timer

Tips That Matter

• Pat the chicken lightly dry after marinating; surface moisture stops the pan browning it.
• If the limes are hard, roll one firmly on the counter before you squeeze it to get more juice.
• Chop the cilantro stems as well as the leaves; the stems carry plenty of flavour.

If You're Missing Something

• Lemon is the everyday swap for lime in this kind of dish — the acidity plays the same role even though the flavour is not identical.
• An eighth of a teaspoon of garlic powder per clove is the usual stand-in when you are out of fresh garlic — it will not caramelise the same way, but it carries the flavour.

Pairs Well With

Cauliflower rice · Sliced avocado · A cabbage and cucumber slaw

Storage

Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Eat it cold in salads or reheat gently in a covered pan.

The Numbers per Serving

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.