Say hello to vibrant flavor on your plate! This Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa is your ultimate summer dinner—juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty, herby mixture and then grilled to perfection. The crown jewel? A refreshing strawberry salsa that brightens every bite with a pop of sweetness and a whisper of heat. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a family cookout or simply craving something fresh, colorful, and healthy, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its fresh, simple ingredients—each one bringing something unique to the party, from juicy strawberries to tangy lime. A handful of pantry staples and a trip to the produce aisle are all it takes to create a meal that tastes far more intricate than it is.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless cuts keep things lean and soak up flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade hug every bit of the chicken.
- Fresh lime juice: Bright and tart, it’s the backbone of both the marinade and salsa.
- Lime zest: Don’t skip it—the zest adds concentrated citrus aroma you can’t get from juice alone.
- Garlic: Just two cloves bring a savory punch that’s subtle but necessary.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped for both marinade and salsa, it provides a grassy, herbal lift.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness balances the acidity; you can sub maple syrup if you wish.
- Salt: Essential for amplifying all those flavors.
- Black pepper: For gentle heat and depth.
- Fresh strawberries: The salsa star, their sweetness counterbalances the savory grill flavors.
- Red onion: Adds crunch and an oniony zing to the salsa.
- Jalapeño: Seeded and finely chopped, it gives the salsa a subtle kick; use more or less to taste.
- Lime juice (for salsa): Pulls the salsa together with another burst of acidity.
- Salt (salsa): Enhances the strawberries and brings out their juices.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, honey, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is both bright and aromatic—the kind of marinade that promises moist, flavorful chicken. Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the top. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated, then seal or cover and pop into the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to four hours if you have the time. This step is all about letting the chicken soak up every tangy, herby note.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Salsa
While the chicken is marinating, grab a bowl and toss in the diced strawberries, finely chopped red onion, a handful of fresh cilantro, and your jalapeño for a little heat. A squeeze of lime juice ties everything together, and a sprinkle of salt wakes up those flavors. Stir gently and let the salsa chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve—the rest time helps the flavors meld beautifully, turning this into a salsa that’s as fresh as it is memorable.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess so it doesn’t flare up on the grill. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grates and grill for about 5–7 minutes on each side, or until you get gorgeous grill marks and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing—this helps keep every bite extra juicy.
Step 4: Serve and Top with Salsa
To finish, arrange your grilled chicken on a platter and spoon a generous helping of strawberry salsa right over the top. The sweet-tart salsa creates a gorgeous contrast with the smoky, citrusy chicken. Serve immediately and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please.”
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
Garnishes
A little flourish never hurt anyone! Try sprinkling extra chopped cilantro over the top, add a grating of fresh lime zest for an aromatic lift, or scatter a few finely chopped jalapeño slices if you like things on the spicier side. Even a handful of avocado cubes turns this into an absolute feast for the senses.
Side Dishes
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa goes perfectly with a side of fluffy cilantro-lime rice, grilled vegetables, or warm corn tortillas. Feeling snacky? Scoop up that extra salsa with crunchy tortilla chips. The dish also makes a fabulous topping for summer salads—just add mixed greens and maybe a touch more lime juice to tie it all together.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping backyard spread, slice the chicken and arrange it on a large platter with salsa in the center. Serve taco-style in warm tortillas with crunchy slaw, or stack the chicken and salsa over a bed of greens for a colorful grain bowl. The sweetness of the strawberries and the smoky grilled chicken make every presentation pop, so get playful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
It’s easy to store any remaining Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa for another meal. Place cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and keep the salsa in a separate container to maintain its freshness. Both will last well for up to 3 days, so lunch prep just got a lot tastier.
Freezing
While the strawberry salsa is best enjoyed fresh, the grilled chicken itself freezes beautifully. Slice or leave the chicken breasts whole and store them in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and whip up a quick fresh batch of salsa.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, use the oven or a microwave for best results—just until warmed through, so it stays juicy. If you’re reheating in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes. Serve with fresh salsa on top and it will taste just as zippy as the day you made it!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and offer even more flavor and juiciness. Just adjust the grill time as thighs can take a touch longer to cook through.
Is the salsa spicy?
The level of heat is up to you. With a seeded jalapeño, the salsa has just a little warmth. You can increase or decrease the jalapeño to suit your taste, or omit it altogether for a milder salsa.
Can I prepare anything in advance?
Definitely! Marinate the chicken up to 4 hours ahead, and you can make the strawberry salsa a couple of hours in advance and keep it chilled. This makes Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa a wonderful option for entertaining or easy weeknight dinners.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can cook the chicken on a grill pan or even in a regular skillet on the stovetop. You’ll lose a bit of that classic grill char, but the flavors in Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa will still shine bright.
Does this dish work for meal prep?
It’s a fantastic meal prep option! Grill the chicken ahead of time and store portions with salsa on the side. Come lunchtime, your Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa will taste fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s every bit as dazzling on the plate as it is on the palate, you simply have to try Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa. From its zippy marinade to that knockout salsa, it’s sure to become a sunny staple in your kitchen. Don’t be surprised if you start making it on repeat!
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Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Grilled chicken marinated in a zesty cilantro lime mixture and topped with a fresh strawberry salsa, this recipe is bursting with summer flavors. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal on the grill!
Ingredients
For the Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Strawberry Salsa:
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, cilantro, honey, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken in this mixture for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Prepare the Strawberry Salsa: Combine strawberries, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt. Chill until serving.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Top grilled chicken with strawberry salsa and enjoy!
Notes
- This dish goes well with rice, grilled veggies, or tortilla chips.
- Can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Add avocado to the salsa for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with salsa
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
