Sautéed Garlic Lime Chicken with Fresh Cilantro

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared with garlic and lime, finished with fresh cilantro for a bright and savory flavor. This mexican-inspired chicken (gluten free, high protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Pour 2 tbsp fresh lime juice over the chicken and garlic, stirring the pan to deglaze and coat the chicken in the tangy sauce for 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken, and serve immediately while hot and bright.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Lime Chicken with Fresh Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Garlic Lime Chicken with Fresh Cilantro?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Lime Chicken with Fresh Cilantro?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Garlic Lime Chicken with Fresh Cilantro for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Sautéed Garlic Lime Chicken with Fresh Cilantro gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, high protein, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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