Description
This Garlic Lime Chicken recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with a vibrant blend of spices and cooked in a buttery lime sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with zesty flavor, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels both fresh and indulgent.
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Main Ingredients
- 6 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: On a dinner plate, combine all the spices listed in the spice mix. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then rub the spice mixture evenly on both sides of each chicken breast to ensure full coverage and flavor penetration.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil together over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and sauté uncovered for about 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes until both sides are golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: To the same skillet, add the fresh lime juice and chicken broth. Use a whisk or wooden spoon to deglaze the pan by scraping up the browned bits stuck to the bottom; this adds rich flavor to the sauce. Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat until it reduces slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes, thickening just enough to coat the chicken.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet. Spoon and toss them in the lime sauce to coat thoroughly and warm through for 1 to 2 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are patted dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better and promote browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep the chicken juicy.
- You can substitute fresh lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or over rice to make it a complete meal.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level or omit if sensitive to spice.
