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chicken in a skillet with creamy cilantro lime sauce
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4.72 from 28 votes

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Made in one pan, this tender chicken is served in a rich, creamy, tangy sauce. Serve this weeknight-friendly meal over rice or with tortillas to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Tex Mex
Keyword: easy recipe, easy, weeknight-friendly, one pan meal, one skillet meal, skillet chicken
Servings: 4
Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
Cost: $7.50

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 2 to 4 fresh limes, depending on size)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons flour (optional, see note)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 8-ounce container crème fraîche (about 1 1/2 cups; see note)

Instructions

  • If the chicken breasts are large / thick, slice them in half lengthwise to thin. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Combine lime juice and cilantro. Set aside (to add at the end of cooking).
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
  • Transfer chicken to the hot pan. Cook on both sides until deep brown and cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes (depending on thickness). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • Reduce heat under the skillet to low-medium and add butter. When butter melts, add garlic, ground cumin, and flour. Stir until garlic is fragrant and no dry spots of flour remain, about 1 minute.
  • Pour stock into pan, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. Simmer for 1 minute.
  • Whisk in honey and creme fraiche. Continue cooking sauce, stirring occasionally, until thick, about 2 minutes.
  • Remove pan from heat and whisk in lime juice and cilantro.
  • Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over top.

Notes

Crème Fraîche - This is a creamy, sour, dairy product that is similar to sour cream but with a much thicker texture. Look for it in the dairy section, often near other soft, specialty cheeses (like ricotta, mascarpone, or perhaps near the goat cheese and fresh mozzarella). Trader Joe's now carries it. If you can’t find creme fraiche, you can make this recipe with sour cream, but do not cook the sour cream over direct heat (it may separate). 
Flour - For a gluten-free version you can skip the flour. A bit of flour helps to thicken the sauce more quickly, but you’ll still have a creamy, rich sauce without the flour.

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 644mg | Potassium: 686mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 244IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg