Easy One Skillet Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
A quick, creamy cilantro-lime chicken cooked in one skillet for a bright, comforting weeknight meal.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon oil of choice
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic crushed or minced
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 lime juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half, or sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the chicken and cook 7–8 minutes total, turning once, until cooked through and no longer pink inside; transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the same skillet; cook 1 minute, stirring.
- Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in 1 cup chicken broth (or water), add the lime juice, chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper; bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer 8–10 minutes, until the liquid reduces by about 1/4 cup and flavors concentrate.
- Whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream (or chosen substitute) during the last minute of cooking and remove from heat.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and garnish with additional cilantro if desired before serving.
Equipment
- large heavy-duty skillet
- spatula or tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Whisk
- plate
Notes
- Use water instead of broth for a lighter flavor.
- Substitute half-and-half, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for the cream.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat.
- Let chicken rest briefly after cooking for juicier results.