Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to weeknight dinner: Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken. This dish is the perfect marriage of zesty citrus, vibrant herbs, juicy chicken, and an unbelievably silky sauce that begs to be spooned over rice or sopped up with crusty bread. Each bite delivers a punch of flavor from fresh lime and cilantro, all mellowed by a dreamy cream sauce you’ll crave long after the last forkful. Trust me, once you try this, Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken will become a repeat request at your table!

Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient shines in every bite. Each element in the recipe serves a delicious purpose—from boosting flavor and juiciness to creating maximum creaminess and color. Here’s what you’ll need and why each makes this dish memorable:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide the perfect, juicy blank canvas to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
Salt: Essential for drawing out the natural flavors of the chicken and ensuring every bite is well seasoned.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle depth and just enough warmth to balance the citrusy tang.
Olive Oil: Gives the chicken a golden sear and forms the foundation for your sauce.
Garlic: Brings a savory sharpness and mouthwatering fragrance that makes the whole dish irresistible.
Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan and layers in savory flavor for a balanced base.
Heavy Cream: Delivers that signature luscious, velvety richness that makes this chicken utterly craveworthy.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami, salty depth, and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Lime Zest and Juice: Infuses the dish with bright, citrusy notes that cut through the richness perfectly.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love a hint of heat, these flakes add just the right amount of kick.
Fresh Cilantro: Pops of color and fresh herbaceousness round out the sauce and make the dish come alive.
Extra Lime Wedges: Squeeze on top for a final, tart burst when serving.

How to Make Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper. This simple step gives the meat its first layer of flavor and helps lock in juiciness as it cooks—a crucial foundation for stellar Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until they’re golden browned and cooked through. Not only does this sear lock in moisture, but it also creates those delicious, caramelized bits (fond) on your pan—the secret weapon for flavor-packed sauce.

Step 3: Make the Aromatic Base

Lower the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant and golden. The aroma will let you know it’s time for the next step—it’s like a little wake-up call for your senses!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up those irresistible browned bits from the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until combined. Add the zest and juice of two limes, plus a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of spice. Let everything simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Finish and Serve Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet, turning to coat them with the sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld and the meat stays juicy. Remove from heat and stir in that shower of fresh chopped cilantro. Spoon extra sauce over everything and serve your Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken hot, garnishing with extra lime wedges for even more bright, zippy flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

Garnishes

A dish as vibrant as Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken deserves thoughtful garnishes. Finish each plate with a handful of fresh chopped cilantro and a wedge or two of lime—these bright pops of color and flavor truly take every serving over the top.

Side Dishes

This chicken craves a little something on the side to soak up that sensational sauce. Fluffy white rice, nutty quinoa, or roasted vegetables make wonderful accompaniments. For a gluten-free option, cauliflower rice keeps things light without sacrificing satisfaction.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond basic plating! Try slicing the chicken and arranging it over a bed of greens for a hearty salad, or serve it family-style in the skillet for a cozy, shareable meal. For an unexpected twist, tuck leftovers into warm tortillas, drizzle with sauce, and top with extra cilantro for fusion tacos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as irresistible for lunch the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Let the chicken and sauce cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to two months. Just note that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but it will come back together when reheated.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its silkiness. Microwave reheating works well too—just use a medium heat setting and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and even more flavorful, so they’re a fantastic swap for breasts. Just adjust cooking time since thighs may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through.

Is there a dairy-free option for the cream?

Yes! You can use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative in place of heavy cream. The sauce will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.

What if I don’t like cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your thing, try fresh parsley for a milder herbal note. While it changes the classic Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken vibe, the sauce will still be wonderfully bright and rich.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken holds up well for meal prep. Simply cool, portion, and refrigerate. Add a little extra sauce to each portion so the chicken stays moist when reheated.

How spicy is this dish?

As written, the dish is only mildly spicy, thanks to optional crushed red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat up or down by increasing, reducing, or leaving out the flakes entirely.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a skillet of Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken—rich, zesty, and oh-so-comforting. If you’re looking for a dish that delivers big flavor without a fuss, this recipe is sure to become an instant classic in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and share your own twist!

Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and tangy flavors of Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken. This dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a luxurious lime-infused cream sauce, finished with a hint of cilantro for a burst of freshness. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that feels like a gourmet treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce:

3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
zest and juice of 2 limes
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

Additional:

Extra lime wedges for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season the chicken: Rub salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts.
Cook the chicken: Sear chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, add broth, cream, cheese, lime zest and juice. Simmer until thickened.
Finish the dish: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer. Stir in cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.