Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe

When you’re craving bold, zesty flavors with a touch of indulgence, look no further than this Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe. Inspired by Tex-Mex cuisine, this dish is a celebration of vibrant lime, smoky spices, and a creamy topping that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe combines tender, marinated chicken with a flavorful lime-infused sauce, all topped with melted cheese and served with a side of fresh, colorful toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Packed with Flavor: Zesty lime, smoky spices, and creamy cheese create a flavor-packed dish.
2. Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this is a weeknight winner.
3. Customizable: Adjust the heat level, toppings, and sides to suit your preferences.
4. Healthy and Hearty: High in protein and loaded with fresh flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.

Step 2: Make the Lime Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt until smooth.
2. Add Fresh Cilantro: Stir in the chopped cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat Your Grill or Skillet: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan or grill for even cooking.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Once cooked, place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Add the Sauce: Spread a generous layer of the prepared lime sauce over each chicken breast.
2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the chicken.
3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Top the chicken with fresh cilantro, green onions, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve: Pair with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

1. Tender Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating for uniform cooking.
2. Enhanced Flavor: Marinate the chicken overnight for the most robust flavor.
3. Cheese Perfection: Use a combination of cheeses for a rich, melty topping.
4. Fresh Lime: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.

Variations

1. Spicy Fiesta Lime Chicken: Add diced jalapeños to the lime sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the marinade for extra heat.
2. Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
3. Vegetarian Twist: Swap the chicken for portobello mushrooms or tofu and follow the same steps.
4. Taco Style: Slice the chicken and serve in tacos with your favorite toppings.

Conclusion

This Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe is a vibrant, zesty dish that’s sure to become a staple in your household. The lime-infused marinade, creamy sauce, and melty cheese topping create a symphony of flavors that everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive occasions, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.

Yield: 4

Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe

Print

When you’re craving bold, zesty flavors with a touch of indulgence, look no further than this Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe. Inspired by Tex-Mex cuisine, this dish is a celebration of vibrant lime, smoky spices, and a creamy topping that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe combines tender, marinated chicken with a flavorful lime-infused sauce, all topped with melted cheese and served with a side of fresh, colorful toppings.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Marinate Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Marinade
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• For the Creamy Lime Sauce
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Topping
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• For the Garnish and Serving
• ½ cup pico de gallo or fresh salsa
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Optional sides: Rice, black beans, or tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

1. In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, mix lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re fully coated in the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for more flavor.

2. Make the Creamy Lime Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, honey, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
3. Grill the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

4. Add the Cheesy Topping

1. Preheat your oven broiler or use the grill.
2. Place the cooked chicken on a baking sheet or keep it on the grill (if covered).
3. Spread a layer of creamy lime sauce on each chicken breast, then sprinkle with a mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
4. Broil or cover the grill and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2–3 minutes.

5. Serve

1. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate.
2. Top with fresh pico de gallo or salsa and garnish with chopped cilantro.
3. Serve with lime wedges and your choice of sides.

Notes

Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the marinade or sauce.

Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.