Welcome to your next favorite weeknight recipe! These Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls with Peach Salsa are vibrant, fresh, and packed with protein, healthy ingredients, and bold flavors. Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, but it also takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. If you’re a fan of quick and easy chicken recipes, this bowl has it all: tangy cilantro-lime chicken, sweet and spicy peach salsa, and fluffy jasmine rice.
Introduction: What Makes Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls Special?
These Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls are an amazing fusion of American and Mexican flavors. The juicy, citrusy chicken pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the peach salsa, creating a dish that is light, refreshing, and full of contrasting textures and tastes. This recipe is not only great for a family dinner but also ideal for meal prepping because the flavors get even better as they sit. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome meal or a low-calorie chicken bowl recipe, this one is a must-try!
Ingredients for Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls
Here’s a complete list of ingredients you’ll need to create these delicious bowls. Feel free to make substitutions to cater to dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
Peach Salsa:
- 3 medium-sized yellow peaches, pitted and diced (leave the skin on for extra texture)
- 1 sweet red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- ½ bunch cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (or more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice level)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
Cilantro-Lime Honey Chicken:
- 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (juice from ½ lime)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon butter
Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or any rice of your choice)
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime slices for serving
Feel free to substitute cauliflower rice for jasmine rice if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, and swap the honey for agave syrup to make the dish vegan-friendly.
How to Make Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls – Step by Step
Step1: Prepare the Peach Salsa
- Start by dicing the yellow peaches, keeping the skins on for added texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced peaches, red bell pepper, red onion, green onions, and cilantro.
- Add lime juice, chili powder, and salt to the bowl. Toss all the ingredients together until well mixed.
- Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning by adding more lime juice or chili powder if needed. Set aside in the fridge to let the flavors meld.
Step2: Cook the Cilantro-Lime Chicken
- Season the sliced chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken strips and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes to allow them to sear properly.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Lower the heat, add lime juice and honey, and cook for another 2 minutes while stirring frequently until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter to coat the chicken. Finish with freshly chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
Step3: Assemble the Bowls
- Add a portion of the cooked jasmine rice to each bowl.
- Top the rice with the peach salsa and cilantro-lime chicken.
- Garnish with additional cilantro and lime slices, and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips for Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls
- Use ripe peaches: Ripe peaches add the perfect sweetness to the salsa. If you don’t have peaches, you can substitute with nectarines or mango.
- Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice, honey, and chili powder for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Meal prep: These bowls are great for meal prep! Just store the components separately and assemble them when you’re ready to eat.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cilantro-Lime Chicken
- Perfect sear: To get a nice crispy sear on the chicken, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Balancing flavors: Adjust the sweetness of the dish by adding more honey or lime juice based on your taste preferences.
- Use a cast iron skillet: For the best flavor, cook the chicken in a cast iron skillet. It helps to create a beautiful sear on the meat.
Serving Suggestions for Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls
These Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls pair wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light green salad. You can also serve this meal with a refreshing drink like homemade iced tea or a citrus-flavored sparkling water for a perfect balance of flavors. If you want to elevate the dish even more, try serving with tortilla chips or a side of avocado slices.
Nutritional Information
Here is the breakdown of the nutritional content for each serving of Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls:
- Calories: 417 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 10 g
This meal is well-balanced, providing an excellent source of lean protein and vitamins from fresh fruits and veggies.
Storage and Leftovers for Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls
- Storage: Store the chicken, salsa, and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The salsa is best served cold, so no need to reheat.
- Pro Tip: If the salsa becomes watery after being stored, simply drain off the excess liquid before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls
1. Can I use a different protein in this recipe?
Yes! You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even steak.
2. What can I use instead of peaches for the salsa?
Mangoes, nectarines, or pineapples are excellent substitutes for peaches in this salsa.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your ingredients like rice and spices are certified gluten-free.
4. Can I make this dish spicy?
For a spicier version, add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños to the salsa or chicken.
Related Recipes for Cilantro-Lime Chicken Lovers
Here are some recipes you might enjoy:
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and savoring these Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls with Peach Salsa. They’re quick, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Be sure to try them out and leave a comment with your own personal variations! Happy cooking!
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Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls with Peach Salsa | 30-Min Meal
Description
Welcome to your next favorite weeknight recipe! These Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls with Peach Salsa are vibrant, fresh, and packed with protein, healthy ingredients, and bold flavors. Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, but it also takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. If you’re a fan of quick and easy chicken recipes, this bowl has it all: tangy cilantro-lime chicken, sweet and spicy peach salsa, and fluffy jasmine rice.
Ingredients
Peach Salsa:
- 3 medium-sized yellow peaches, pitted and diced (leave the skin on for extra texture)
- 1 sweet red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- ½ bunch cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (or more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice level)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
Cilantro-Lime Honey Chicken:
- 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (juice from ½ lime)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon butter
Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or any rice of your choice)
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime slices for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peach Salsa
- Start by dicing the yellow peaches, keeping the skins on for added texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced peaches, red bell pepper, red onion, green onions, and cilantro.
- Add lime juice, chili powder, and salt to the bowl. Toss all the ingredients together until well mixed.
- Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning by adding more lime juice or chili powder if needed. Set aside in the fridge to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Cook the Cilantro-Lime Chicken
- Season the sliced chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken strips and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes to allow them to sear properly.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Lower the heat, add lime juice and honey, and cook for another 2 minutes while stirring frequently until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter to coat the chicken. Finish with freshly chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
- Add a portion of the cooked jasmine rice to each bowl.
- Top the rice with the peach salsa and cilantro-lime chicken.
- Garnish with additional cilantro and lime slices, and serve immediately.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use ripe peaches: Ripe peaches add the perfect sweetness to the salsa. If you don’t have peaches, you can substitute with nectarines or mango.
- Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice, honey, and chili powder for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Meal prep: These bowls are great for meal prep! Just store the components separately and assemble them when you’re ready to eat.
