Skillet Tomato Lime Chicken with Cilantro

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

Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a tangy tomato lime sauce with fresh cilantro, perfect for a vibrant weeknight dinner. This mexican-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 25 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp chili powder, then add to the skillet and sear for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes and 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and cover skillet, cooking the chicken in the tomato lime sauce for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet Tomato Lime Chicken with Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Skillet Tomato Lime Chicken with 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 Skillet Tomato Lime Chicken with 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 Skillet Tomato Lime Chicken with Cilantro for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Skillet Tomato Lime Chicken with Cilantro gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten 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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