Chicken In Lime

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mexican

Juicy chicken thighs simmered in fragrant spices and lime juice create a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with a citrusy twist.

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Ingredients

  • 6 chicken thighs or 3 large breast halves
  • 2 Tbsp. oil
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/8 tsp. hot red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. crushed coriander seed
  • 1/4 tsp. turmeric
  • 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 limes

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken pieces and cook until both sides are browned.
  3. While chicken is browning, coarsely chop the onion and press the garlic; add them to the skillet.
  4. Add red pepper, cumin, coriander seed, turmeric, and soy sauce to the skillet.
  5. Reduce heat, cover, and cook until chicken is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  6. Cut 1 lime into quarters.
  7. Just before serving, sprinkle the chicken with the juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons).
  8. Serve with lime quarters.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have fresh limes, bottled lime juice works in a pinch. You can also substitute chicken breasts for thighs if desired. Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot red pepper according to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken In Lime with a side of rice, like Quick Spanish Rice And Meat, or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. Lime wedges make a great garnish, enhancing the citrus notes. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Mexican recipes like Cheddar And Tortilla Soup for a delightful combination.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of lime juice to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, making sure not to dry it out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chicken In Lime contains roughly 1410 calories, with 6g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 152g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1877mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).

1410 kcal 71% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.5g 13% DV
Total Fat 152.4g 100% DV
Carbs 11.2g 4% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1877mg 82% DV
Potassium 461.7mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 7.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1.6mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 90.3mg 7% DV
Iron 9.3mg 52% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Just be mindful that breasts may cook faster, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier to prevent drying out.

What can I serve with Chicken In Lime?

Chicken In Lime pairs well with rice dishes, fresh salads, or grilled vegetables. Consider serving it alongside Mexican Fried Chicken for a festive meal or with tortilla chips for added crunch.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the cooking step and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply heat it on the stove. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even tastier.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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