Tender lime-marinated chicken with a creamy cilantro sauce and roasted zucchini

5 stars
4.50 (15)
Tender lime-marinated chicken with a creamy cilantro sauce and roasted zucchini
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
2025 mins
Total Time:
2045mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on October 11, 2023

This recipe features tender chicken marinated in a zesty lime sauce, topped with a creamy cilantro sauce, and served alongside roasted zucchini. It's a perfect combination of flavors that will delight your taste buds. The lime marinade adds brightness and tanginess to the chicken, while the cilantro cream sauce adds a creamy and herbaceous element. The roasted zucchini complements the chicken perfectly, adding a touch of sweetness and texture. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to impress your family and guests.

Ingredients

  • For the Lime Chicken:
  • - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • - 2 limes, juiced and zested
  • - 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • - 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Cilantro Cream Sauce:
  • - 1 cup sour cream
  • - 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • - 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • - 1 clove garlic, minced
  • - Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Roasted Zucchini:
  • - 4 medium zucchini, sliced
  • - 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • - Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them.
  3. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
  4. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
  5. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
  7. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the cilantro cream sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  9. In a separate bowl, toss the sliced zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  10. Spread the zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and tender.
  11. Serve the lime chicken topped with the cilantro cream sauce and alongside the roasted zucchini. Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the zucchini before serving.
  12. Enjoy this delicious lime chicken with cilantro cream sauce and roasted zucchini!

Interesting Facts

  • - Lime juice is a great meat tenderizer, making the chicken incredibly tender and juicy.
  • - Cilantro is an herb commonly used in Mexican and American cuisine, known for its distinct flavor that pairs well with lime and can add a refreshing element to dishes.
  • - Roasting zucchini brings out its natural sweetness and intensifies its flavor.
  • - This recipe is versatile and can be easily customized by adding other spices or herbs to the marinade or cilantro cream sauce.
  • - Leftover lime chicken can be used in salads, tacos, or wraps for a quick and flavorful meal the next day.