Picture this: juicy grilled chicken infused with the fresh flavors of cilantro and lime, topped with a vibrant, tangy strawberry salsa that adds the perfect pop of sweetness. This Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa is a dish that’s not only a feast for the taste buds but also a showstopper on your table. The combination of savory, citrusy chicken and the refreshing, slightly sweet salsa is pure magic. You’re going to want to make this every week—it’s just that good!
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Why You’ll Love Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
A Flavor Explosion: The cilantro-lime chicken brings so much brightness and freshness, and when paired with the sweet, juicy strawberries, it’s a flavor combination that’s out of this world. It’s like summer on a plate!
Healthy and Light: This dish is perfect for those looking for a lighter, healthy meal without sacrificing flavor. The chicken is grilled to perfection, keeping it lean but flavorful, while the strawberry salsa adds a nutritious burst of freshness.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe comes together in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, it’s a no-fuss dish that looks impressive!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re grilling on a lazy weekend, hosting a dinner party, or preparing a family-friendly meal, this dish works for just about any occasion. It’s versatile and will easily be the star of the show!
Kid-Friendly: The subtle sweetness from the strawberry salsa makes this dish great for the little ones too. They’ll love the combination of fresh flavors, and it’s a healthy alternative to more traditional grilled chicken recipes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this bright and flavorful dish:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect lean protein for this recipe.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives the chicken a burst of herby goodness and pairs beautifully with the lime.
Lime: Fresh lime juice and zest for that bright, zesty flavor that takes the chicken to the next level.
Olive Oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and adds a little richness.
Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder adds a subtle savory flavor that complements the lime and cilantro.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, to bring out all the flavors in the dish.
Strawberries: Fresh, juicy strawberries provide the perfect sweetness for the salsa.
Red Onion: Adds a little sharpness to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
Jalapeño: For a hint of heat that contrasts with the sweetness of the fruit.
Cilantro (for Salsa): Fresh cilantro, again, to brighten up the salsa.
Lime (for Salsa): Fresh lime juice for a zesty kick in the salsa, tying all the flavors together.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to soak in all those delicious flavors.
Prepare the Salsa: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the strawberry salsa. In a bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Stir well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill it for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked, serve it hot with a generous scoop of strawberry salsa on top. You can serve this dish with a side of rice, a green salad, or some grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 280
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
With Rice: Serve the chicken and salsa over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a complete meal that’s light yet filling.
With a Salad: For a lighter option, serve this dish with a simple green salad or a cucumber and tomato salad for added freshness.
In a Wrap: Make a fun and portable meal by rolling up the grilled chicken and strawberry salsa in a soft tortilla. You can even add some avocado or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
With Grilled Vegetables: Pair the chicken with grilled vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn on the cob, for a satisfying and healthy side dish.
Additional Tips
Marinate for Longer: If you have time, let the chicken marinate for a few hours or even overnight for maximum flavor. The longer it sits, the more the chicken absorbs the marinade.
Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor and juiciness, you can also make this recipe with bone-in chicken thighs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Customize the Salsa: If you like more heat, feel free to add more jalapeño or even some red pepper flakes to the salsa. You can also swap in other fruits, like mango or pineapple, for a tropical twist.
Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Grill the chicken ahead of time, and keep the salsa separate. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and top with fresh salsa.
Leftover Salsa: The strawberry salsa also makes a great topping for tacos, grilled fish, or even a quick snack with tortilla chips!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A1: Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken thoroughly before marinating and grilling for the best texture and flavor.
Q2: Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the salsa a few hours ahead of time, but try to serve it fresh to keep the strawberries vibrant and juicy.
Q3: Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
A3: Yes, a grill pan works perfectly for this recipe. Just heat it over medium-high heat and cook the chicken as you would on an outdoor grill.
Q4: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A4: Definitely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, and they tend to be juicier than breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store the leftover chicken and salsa in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stove, but try to keep the salsa fresh.
Q6: Can I add avocado to the salsa?
A6: Yes, adding diced avocado to the salsa gives it an extra creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries.
Q7: Can I make this dish without grilling?
A7: Yes! You can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop, or bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes.
Q8: Can I freeze the chicken and salsa?
A8: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. However, the salsa is best enjoyed fresh, so it’s better to make it just before serving.
Q9: What’s the best way to grill chicken breasts so they stay juicy?
A9: To keep chicken breasts juicy, don’t overcook them! Use a meat thermometer to make sure they reach 165°F (74°C), and consider pounding the chicken to an even thickness before grilling.
Q10: How can I make this dish spicier?
A10: If you like it spicy, add more jalapeño to the salsa or sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper on the chicken before grilling.
Conclusion
This Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa is fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor—it’s the perfect summer meal or anytime you want something light, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re grilling for a casual family dinner or impressing guests at your next get-together, this dish is a guaranteed winner. Enjoy!
Print
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Grilled Chicken
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa is the perfect balance of zesty, smoky, and sweet. The grilled chicken is marinated in a citrusy cilantro-lime blend, then topped with a fresh and juicy strawberry salsa for a light, summery meal.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Salsa:
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1 pound strawberries, diced (~2 cups)
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1/4 cup red or green onion, finely diced or sliced
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1 jalapeño, finely diced
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1 lime, juice and zest
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2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
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Salt, to taste
For the Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken:
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 limes, juice and zest (or 1/4 cup lime juice)
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1 tablespoon oil
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2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
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1 clove garlic, grated
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1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the strawberry salsa: In a bowl, mix the strawberries, onion, jalapeño, lime juice and zest, cilantro, and salt. Set aside.
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Marinate the chicken: In a separate bowl, mix lime juice and zest, oil, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat evenly. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes to overnight in the refrigerator.
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Grill the chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Serve: Top grilled chicken with strawberry salsa and enjoy!
Notes
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Serve with rice, quinoa, or a side salad for a full meal.
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Swap strawberries for mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
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For extra smokiness, grill the lime halves before squeezing over the salsa.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg