Zesty Garlic Lime Chicken Breasts
This tantalizing Zesty Garlic Lime Chicken Breasts recipe brings a burst of flavor with every bite. Originating from my talented friend Liz's recipe box, it showcases the perfect balance of fresh lime and aromatic garlic to create moist and delicious chicken breasts. The recipe requires only a handful of ingredients, making it simple yet incredibly satisfying. Liz often prepares extra chicken to use in her zesty Mexican Lime Chicken Soup, which is a delicious way to enjoy the leftovers. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or as part of your meal prep, this dish is sure to impress anyone at your table.
4
Servings
140
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin, for best flavor)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground, to taste)
Chicken breast halves
4 (2 lbs total) (rinsed and patted dry (with or without skin))
Lime wedge
for serving (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
2
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours, but preferably up to 8 hours for enhanced flavor.
3
When you're ready to cook, position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
4
Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the remaining marinade. Arrange the chicken breasts skin side up in a shallow baking dish, ensuring they are not crowded.
5
Season the chicken breasts with additional salt and pepper to taste.
6
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
7
If using chicken with skin, switch the oven to broil. Broil the chicken approximately 2 inches from the heat for about 2 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and golden brown.
8
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve each chicken breast with a wedge of lime for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
1g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of Zesty Garlic Lime Chicken Breasts?
The dish features a perfect balance of fresh lime and aromatic garlic, resulting in a moist and citrusy flavor profile.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should be marinated for a minimum of 2 hours, but for the best flavor, it is recommended to marinate it for up to 8 hours.
What are the primary ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for roasting the chicken.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
How many calories are in one serving of this chicken?
Each serving contains approximately 140 calories.
Can I use chicken with the skin still on?
Yes, you can use chicken breast halves with or without the skin.
How do I make the chicken skin crispy?
If using chicken with skin, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes of cooking, positioning the chicken about 2 inches from the heat.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What should I do with the remaining marinade?
The remaining marinade should be discarded after the chicken is removed from it.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for meal prep and can be used in other recipes like soups or salads.
How much garlic is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
What kind of oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor in the marinade.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lime juice is preferred for its zestiness, you can use bottled lime juice if fresh is unavailable.
How long does the chicken need to roast in the oven?
Roast the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes until it is just cooked through.
Should the chicken be covered while marinating?
Yes, cover the bowl with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator to marinate.
What is a good way to use leftover Zesty Garlic Lime Chicken?
Leftovers are excellent when added to a Mexican Lime Chicken Soup.
Does this recipe contain any carbohydrates?
This recipe is very low in carbohydrates, containing only 1 gram per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein is provided in one serving?
Each serving provides 14 grams of protein.
Where should I position the oven rack?
Position the oven rack in the upper third of the oven for the best roasting results.
How should the chicken be arranged in the baking dish?
Arrange the chicken breasts skin side up in a shallow baking dish, making sure they are not crowded.
Should I let the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to keep it moist.
What garnish is recommended for serving?
Serve each chicken breast with a wedge of lime for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
How should I prepare the chicken breasts before marinating?
The chicken breasts should be rinsed and patted dry before being added to the marinade.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed (lime, oil, garlic, salt, pepper, chicken), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use this marinade for other types of meat?
While designed for chicken breasts, the garlic-lime marinade would also work well with chicken thighs or fish.
Who is the original source of this recipe?
This recipe originated from the recipe box of a friend named Liz.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
No, this recipe contains zero grams of sugar.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
The marinade uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, with additional amounts added to taste before roasting.