Get ready to fall in love with summertime flavors with this Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa! Perfect for warm evenings, backyard barbecues, or whenever you want something fresh and vibrant, this dish brings together juicy grilled chicken marinated with zesty lime and fragrant cilantro, then tops it all off with a quick strawberry salsa that’s bursting with sweet, tangy, and just a hint of heat. Each bite is a flavor adventure — bright, savory, a little spicy, and totally irresistible. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and so easy you’ll come back to it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how straightforward the ingredient list is for this colorful meal! Every item works its magic to create that irresistible combination of bold chicken and bright, juicy salsa. Here’s what makes Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa sing:
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless for fast grilling and lean, juicy results.
- Fresh lime juice: The real secret to both marinade and salsa, giving everything a punch of citrusy brightness.
- Olive oil: Helps lock in juiciness and add a silky finish to the chicken.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Herbaceous, a little peppery, and the backbone of this dish’s signature flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for irresistible aromatic warmth.
- Honey: Just a touch to balance the tang of the lime and add sweetness to the marinade.
- Ground cumin: For a whisper of earthy, smoky depth that sets off the bright flavors.
- Salt: Enhances everything and makes those flavors pop!
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and a savory note to the marinade.
- Fresh strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and the star of your salsa — make sure they’re ripe.
- Red onion: Adds crunch and a sharp bite to balance the fruit.
- Jalapeño: For a gentle but noticeable kick (seed it for less heat, leave the seeds for extra zing).
- Fresh cilantro (for salsa): Dials up the herbal notes in every bright bite of salsa.
- Lime juice (for salsa): Keeps the strawberries punchy and prevents them from getting too sweet.
- Salt to taste: Just a pinch brings all the salsa ingredients together perfectly.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade
Begin by gathering a medium mixing bowl and adding lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, honey, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Give it a hearty whisk until everything is well combined and fragrant. This zesty, garlicky marinade will not only tenderize your chicken but also infuses it with layers of fresh and savory flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (4 hours if you want maximum flavor). It’s the perfect window to prep your salsa or just relax!
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Salsa
While your chicken absorbs all those bold flavors, turn your attention to the fresh salsa. In a medium bowl, gently combine diced strawberries, finely diced red onion, jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir just until combined; you want the strawberries to stay chunky and fresh. Pop the salsa in the fridge — chilling it lets the flavors meld and makes every bite of Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa extra refreshing.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill the chicken breasts for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until a thermometer reads 165°F at the thickest part. This ensures juicy, never-dry chicken every time. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing, which helps keep all those savory juices locked in.
Step 5: Serve and Top with Salsa
Arrange your beautifully grilled chicken on a platter or plates, then spoon a generous heap of strawberry salsa over each piece. That vivid red salsa on a bed of golden-brown chicken is not only mouthwatering to look at, it’s the magic that makes Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa so unforgettable.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a final herbal punch, and add fresh lime wedges on the side for anyone who likes an extra citrusy kick. A few thin slices of fresh jalapeño look beautiful and add more color (and heat, if you dare).
Side Dishes
This colorful chicken pairs beautifully with a mound of fluffy rice, light quinoa, or smoky grilled vegetables. Try some charred corn, a simple green salad, or even warm tortillas for scooping up any leftover salsa.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, casual twist, slice the grilled chicken and serve it family-style with salsa, tortillas, and your favorite toppings for DIY tacos. Hosting a party? Cut the chicken into cubes, skewer, and top with salsa for irresistible finger food bites. However you plate it, Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa always looks fresh from a magazine spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack any leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers. The chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the strawberry salsa is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days for peak freshness.
Freezing
While grilled chicken freezes well for up to three months, strawberry salsa loses its texture and vibrancy if frozen. For best results, slice and freeze any extra chicken only, and whip up a quick batch of fresh salsa when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your chicken, warm it gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. You can also microwave sliced chicken in short bursts until just heated through. Top with fresh, cold salsa just before serving to maintain that lively, summery flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and flavor, and they stay juicy on the grill. Just adjust the cook time as needed and enjoy a slightly richer take on Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa.
How spicy is the strawberry salsa?
The salsa itself is mild to moderate, depending on how much jalapeño you use and whether you leave in the seeds. For extra spice, leave some or all seeds in; for a kid-friendly version, remove all seeds and use less jalapeño.
Is it possible to make this dish indoors?
Definitely! If the weather isn’t cooperating, you can cook the chicken on a grill pan or even under the broiler in your oven. You’ll still get that beautifully caramelized exterior and juicy interior that makes Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa so special.
What if I don’t like strawberries?
No worries! Swap in diced mango, pineapple, or even peaches for a slightly different spin. The sweet, fresh fruit is key to balancing the grilled chicken’s savory profile.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
You sure can. Up to 12 hours in the marinade is fine, but because of the acidic lime juice, avoid marinating much longer or the chicken could become mushy. Even just 30 minutes gives plenty of flavor for your Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that truly tastes like summer on a plate, you simply have to try Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa. Each bite bursts with freshness and just the right balance of sweet, savory, and citrusy zing. Whether you’re feeding a family or friends, this recipe never fails to impress — give it a go and watch it become a new favorite!
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Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa recipe is a perfect balance of flavors, combining the zesty tang of lime and cilantro-marinated chicken with a sweet and spicy strawberry salsa. It’s a refreshing and healthy dish that’s ideal for summer grilling.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Strawberry Salsa:
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, garlic, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken breasts in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Strawberry Salsa: Combine diced strawberries, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill marinated chicken breasts for 6–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest, then slice and serve topped with strawberry salsa.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- For a spicier salsa, keep jalapeño seeds.
- This dish pairs well with rice or grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with salsa
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
