Lime is a flavor commonly associated with summer, although lime chicken is a tasty dish in any season. Similar to the lemon because of its acidity and tartness, many recipes can exchange lime for lemon to offer a new twist. However, a cilantro and lime light chicken dish pares well with many side dishes for a relatively inexpensive, quick and easy entree.
Step 1
Thaw you chicken by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. Place your chicken in the microwave on defrost for one minute per chicken breast if it remains frozen in the center. Trim all fat from the chicken breast to reduce the calories and total fat of your dish. Cut the chicken into 4-oz. pieces, which is one serving and contains 130 calories and 27 g of protein.
Step 2
Spray your nonstick skillet with the cooking spray, which adds only a negligible amount of calories. Turn on your burner to medium heat and allow the pan to heat up for two minutes. Place the chicken breasts into the pan and cook just until there is no more pink in the middle, about five minutes on each side. Check the internal temperature to ensure it is at least 165 degrees for safety.
Step 3
Remove your skillet from the heat once the chicken is fully cooked. Cut one whole lime or three key limes in half and squeeze the juice from the limes onto the chicken. Hold the lime cut side up while squeezing to prevent seeds from falling into your dish. Sprinkle salt to taste onto the chicken breasts. Using the lime will only add less than two calories per chicken breast.
Step 4
Wash your fresh cilantro and pat dry with several paper towels. Grasping a cluster of cilantro firmly, chop the cilantro coarsely to create 1/2 cup. Sprinkle the cilantro over the top of the chicken breasts. Slice the remaining whole lime or key limes to use as a garnish, or for additional lime flavoring. Place a sprig of uncut cilantro on the plate near the limes for an extravagant garnish. Overall, your dish will have no additional fat and only about 10 additional calories from the calories and fat contained in the chicken breast.
Things You'll Need
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 whole limes or 6 key limes
- Cooking spray or olive oil mist
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped coarsely
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