Chicken Calido with Creamy Margarita Sauce

Indulge in the bold, zesty flavors of Chicken Calido with Creamy Margarita Sauce, a skillet-cooked masterpiece that combines juicy, spice-rubbed chicken breasts with a luscious, citrusy sauce infused with lime juice, honey, and a splash of optional tequila. This vibrant dish features a silky blend of heavy cream, melted cheddar cheese, and a fragrant garlic base, elevated by fresh cilantro and a hint of lime zest. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this 45-minute recipe is as delightful to cook as it is to eat. Serve this savory creation with rice, roasted vegetables, or buttery cornbread for a satisfying meal that celebrates the tangy, creamy essence of Southwest-inspired cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons tequila (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon lime zest

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the spices evenly into the chicken on both sides.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Step 3

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine with the garlic and butter. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5

Add the lime juice, tequila (if using), and honey to the skillet. Whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy. Simmer for another 2 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Allow it to melt completely, creating a luscious sauce. Add the lime zest and chopped cilantro, stirring to combine.

Step 7

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy margarita sauce over each piece. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 8

Serve the Chicken Calido immediately with extra sauce drizzled on top. Pair with rice, roasted veggies, or fresh cornbread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1215.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2803.8

Total Fat 174.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 84.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 938.3mg	0%
Sodium 3465.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 34.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.3g	0%
Total Sugars 19.4g
Protein 229.8g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 523.4mg	0%
Iron 6.2mg	0%
Potassium 251.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.8%

Protein: 35.0%

Carbs: 5.2%