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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Zest and juice of 2 limes - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 small red onion, sliced - Fresh cilantro for garnish For this Chili Lime Chicken Skillet, you need some key ingredients. First, the chicken breasts are the star of the dish. They bring protein and heartiness. Next, a blend of spices like chili powder and smoked paprika adds a nice kick and depth. The lime juice and zest offer bright, tangy notes that balance the spice. Honey adds a hint of sweetness, rounding out the flavor. The olive oil helps the chicken cook well, keeping it moist. You also need colorful vegetables. The red and green bell peppers add crunch and sweetness. The red onion provides a mild zing. Finally, fresh cilantro makes for a great garnish, adding freshness and bright color. These ingredients come together to create a meal that is both tasty and visually appealing. They reflect my passion for combining flavors and textures. Each bite is a delightful mix of spice, zest, and freshness. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take your chicken breasts and tenderize them. I like to use a meat mallet. This helps them cook evenly. After tenderizing, season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This basic step boosts the chicken's taste. Next, let's create the marinade. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, lime zest, lime juice, and honey. This blend makes a tasty mix! For the best flavor, let it sit for a few minutes. It allows all the flavors to marry. Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it's hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. You want a nice golden brown crust to form. After cooking, set the chicken aside to rest. In the same skillet, add your sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes. Look for them to soften and get slightly charred. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. Let it warm up for another 2 minutes with the veggies. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if you like. To ensure even cooking, start by tenderizing the chicken breasts. This helps them cook through without drying out. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound each breast to an even thickness. When seasoning, be generous with salt and pepper on both sides. To check for doneness, cut into the thickest part of the chicken. The meat should be white and juices should run clear. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. To add more depth to your dish, consider extra spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds heat. You could also try smoked paprika for a richer flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro brighten the dish. Add chopped cilantro right before serving for a fresh taste. Citrus adds zest too! Besides lime, try adding orange zest for a sweet twist. Skillet cooking requires a few best practices. Always preheat your skillet before adding oil. This helps create a nice sear on the chicken. Using olive oil is great, but feel free to swap it with avocado oil for high heat. To avoid sticking, ensure your skillet is well-heated. If the chicken sticks, it’s not ready to flip. Allow it to cook longer until it releases naturally. Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the chicken or vegetables. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the spices and lime to penetrate the meat thoroughly. Don't Overcrowd the Skillet: When cooking the chicken, ensure there's enough space in the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than searing, preventing that delicious golden crust. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Fresh Garnish for a Pop: Add fresh cilantro just before serving for a burst of freshness. You can also substitute with fresh parsley or green onions for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Try pork or shrimp instead of chicken. They soak up the flavors well too. For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu or tempeh. They will take on the marinade and add great taste. You can also use veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for a fun twist. Mix in different spices to change the flavor. Consider using taco seasoning or a dash of cayenne for heat. You can also add fruits like mango or pineapple for a sweet twist. Their juices blend well with the lime and spices. They create a nice balance in the dish. Pair this dish with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. A fresh salad goes well too, bringing crunch and color. You can also serve it with a zesty dipping sauce, like a lime vinaigrette or a yogurt sauce. These options add creaminess and extra flavor. After enjoying your chili lime chicken, store leftovers properly. Place the chicken and veggies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it. In the fridge, it lasts up to four days. Always check for any changes in smell or texture before eating. To reheat, use the skillet for best results. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. Cook for about five minutes, flipping halfway through. This method keeps the flavors intact. Avoid using the microwave, as it may dry out the chicken. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the chicken into portions before freezing. Place each piece in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It can stay frozen for up to three months. To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the skillet following the tips above for the best taste. You should marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes. If you have time, marinating overnight gives better flavor. The longer it sits, the more the chicken absorbs the tasty spices and lime juice. This helps make every bite juicy and flavorful. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. You can marinate the chicken and store it in the refrigerator. Cook it just before serving for the best taste. You can also cook the dish fully and store leftovers for later. If you don’t have lime juice, lemon juice works well. You can also use vinegar, like apple cider vinegar. Just keep in mind that the taste will change a bit. You want to keep that bright, tangy flavor. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, you must thaw it first. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. You want to ensure the chicken is fully thawed for even cooking. To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. This means it’s safe to eat. In this blog post, I shared how to create a flavorful chicken dish. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and essential tips for great results. Variations allow you to customize the recipe to your taste, whether you're using different proteins or spices. Finally, I gave advice on storing and reheating leftovers safely. By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious, juicy chicken anytime. Embrace your cooking skills, and have fun experimenting with this dish!

Chili Lime Chicken Skillet

A flavorful and zesty chicken dish cooked with bell peppers and onions, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 pieces limes (zest and juice)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 piece green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Begin by tenderizing the chicken breasts for even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  • In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, lime zest, lime juice, and honey to create a marinade.
  • Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over it, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator).
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and a nice golden brown crust forms.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until they have softened and are slightly charred.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, allowing it to warm through with the vegetables for another 2 minutes.
  • Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for longer for enhanced flavor.
Keyword chicken, chili lime, quick meal, skillet