Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa

Get ready to be blown away by the vibrant flavors of this Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa! Imagine tender chicken marinated in a zesty cilantro lime marinade, grilled to perfection, and then topped with a sweet and tangy strawberry salsa. The combination of smoky grilled chicken with the fresh, juicy burst of strawberries is the ultimate summer dish—bright, refreshing, and absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving it all year long. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or enjoying a solo dinner, this dish is guaranteed to wow your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa

This dish checks all the boxes for a perfect meal. Here’s why it’s such a winner:

Refreshing & Flavorful

The tangy lime and fresh cilantro bring a burst of freshness to the chicken, while the strawberry salsa adds a vibrant and juicy contrast. It’s a flavor combination that just works—so light and perfect for warm weather!

Perfect for Grilling Season

This recipe is ideal for grilling season, making it perfect for those outdoor cookouts, family BBQs, or simple backyard dinners. The marinade does the hard work for you, infusing the chicken with flavor and keeping it juicy as it grills.

Light & Healthy

If you’re looking for something light and healthy, this dish is a great option. The chicken is lean, and the salsa is packed with fresh fruit, making it both delicious and nutritious. Plus, the flavors are naturally low in calories, so you can feel good while enjoying it!

Quick & Easy

With a simple marinade and quick grilling time, this dish comes together in a snap. No need to fuss with complicated steps—just marinate, grill, and top with that irresistible strawberry salsa.

Ingredients

For the Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice and zest of 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Strawberry Salsa:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for heat)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon honey (or agave, if you prefer)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this mouthwatering Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa? Let’s get grilling!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together the cilantro, lime juice and zest, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for the best flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Salsa

While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to make the strawberry salsa! In a mixing bowl, combine the diced strawberries, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and honey. Stir everything together until well combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the salsa aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the chicken on a grill pan or in the oven.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken and top it generously with the fresh strawberry salsa. Serve with your favorite sides, and you’re ready to dig in!

(Note: The full instructions, including specific times, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 400mg
Total Carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 34g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa

This dish is great on its own, but here are some fantastic ways to serve it:

Over Rice or Quinoa

Serve the grilled chicken and salsa over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to make it more filling. The light grains complement the flavorful chicken and fresh salsa beautifully.

With Fresh Greens

Pair it with a simple green salad or arugula to add some crunch and a refreshing contrast to the grilled chicken.

With Tacos or Burritos

For a fun twist, you can turn this into a taco or burrito. Just slice the chicken, pile it on a warm tortilla, and top with the strawberry salsa for a fresh and exciting filling.

With Roasted Vegetables

Serve this dish with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn for a healthy, colorful plate.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Marinate longer for more flavor: If you have the time, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours for even more flavor penetration.
• Add a little heat: If you love a spicy kick, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the salsa.
• Use bone-in chicken: If you prefer, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs, but keep in mind they may need a few extra minutes on the grill.
• Make it ahead: You can make the strawberry salsa ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. It keeps well for 2-3 days in the fridge.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs are a great choice for this dish, as they stay juicy and flavorful on the grill. Just be sure to adjust the grilling time, as thighs may need a little longer.

Q2: Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! The strawberry salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I substitute strawberries with other fruits?
A3: Yes! If strawberries are out of season, you can try using mango, pineapple, or peach for a fun variation.

Q4: How can I make this dish spicier?
A4: To add more heat, increase the amount of jalapeño in the salsa, or drizzle your chicken with a bit of hot sauce after grilling.

Q5: Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of on the grill?
A5: Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the marinated chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Q6: Can I serve this with a side of beans?
A6: Absolutely! Black beans or pinto beans would pair wonderfully with the chicken and salsa, adding a nice earthy flavor to balance the sweetness.

Q7: Can I use frozen chicken?
A7: It’s best to thaw frozen chicken before marinating. If you’re short on time, you can marinate it while still frozen, but it may take longer for the flavors to soak in.

Q8: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A8: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check your tortilla or side dishes if you’re serving it with anything else.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salsa can also be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Q10: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A10: While the chicken should be grilled fresh, you can prepare the salsa up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa is fresh, flavorful, and downright delicious. It’s perfect for warm-weather grilling, and the combination of savory chicken and sweet, tangy salsa is a match made in heaven. Whether you serve it over rice, in tacos, or just on its own, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy the bright, refreshing flavors that make this dish a standout!

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