Citrus Cilantro Chicken

Infused with vibrant flavors and a zesty aroma, Citrus Cilantro Chicken is a simple yet show-stopping dish perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests. This recipe combines succulent boneless chicken breasts with a tangy marinade of fresh orange and lime juice, rich olive oil, fragrant garlic, and a dash of warm spices like cumin and paprika. Chopped fresh cilantro and optional jalapeño give it an herby kick and subtle heat that’ll tantalize your taste buds. Marinated to perfection and then seared until golden, this dish is perfectly juicy and bursting with bright, tropical flavors. Serve it alongside fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or a crisp salad for a wholesome meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a short marinade, this one-pan wonder is a fast and flavorful way to upgrade your dinner game. Perfect for fans of citrusy, herb-forward dishes, this recipe is sure to be a new favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 0.5 cup orange juice
• 0.25 cup lime juice
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 piece jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Whisk together until well mixed.

Step 2

Place the chicken breasts in a large, resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 3

When ready to cook, preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan to prevent sticking and to help create slight steaming action.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and place them on the hot pan. Discard the remaining marinade.

Step 5

Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.

Step 6

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken tender.

Step 7

Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm with your choice of rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1111.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1660.2

Total Fat 69.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 591.6mg	0%
Sodium 2910.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 29.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.4g	0%
Total Sugars 13.2g
Protein 221.1g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 197.0mg	0%
Iron 11.7mg	0%
Potassium 2513.3mg	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: 38.5%

Protein: 54.3%

Carbs: 7.2%