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
- In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them.
- Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- 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.
- In a separate bowl, toss the sliced zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.