Garlic Lime Chicken Recipe
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Jan 16, 2026 
I love to make this garlic lime chicken for an easy weeknight dinner because it’s always juicy, citrus-packed, and never disappoints. I cook tender chicken with fresh lime, minced garlic, and cilantro in just a few simple steps for a flavorful, irresistible meal with a silky finish.
Finally, a chicken recipe I can make in a hurry that is tender, zesty, and packed with bold flavors every time. The meat soaks up all those delicious, bright citrus and garlic flavors, so every bite packs a serious punch. I love how simple this recipe is, and it’s made with just one skillet, which means…easy clean up! If you’re a fan of bold main dish dinners like this roasted red pepper chicken, then you’ve got to give this garlic lime dish a try. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal on a budget and perfect for busy weeknights!
Lisa – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Made this for dinner tonight. My husband couldn’t stop eating it, he liked it so much! I served it over some rice with extra veggies like spinach and tomatoes. Will definitely be making this again, thanks!
Sommer’s Recipe Highlights
Versatile – This chicken main dish pairs deliciously with just about everything, so it’s easy to jazz up with different sides. I often serve it with a side of rice, roasted veggies, french fries, or even sliced over a salad.
Juicy and Tender – Chicken breast can be a hit or miss. Sometimes it comes out bland and dry, but not this recipe! I’ll show you how to make perfectly moist and tender chicken every time.
Meal-Prep Hero – I love to make extra servings of my lime chicken recipe and enjoy it throughout the week for a quick prep-ahead lunch or another easy dinner. Add a whole grain carb and a veggie, and you have a ready-made meal to grab and go.
One-Skillet Wonder – What’s better than easy clean-up, especially during the week? Mmm, I can’t think of much, and that’s why I love that this dish and my creamy Tuscan chicken recipe — both made in one skillet!
Key Ingredients and Tips
- Chicken breast – I like to use skinless, boneless chicken breasts because they are a juicy white-meat pillow to soak up all the flavors and spices. You can also use boneless chicken thighs.
- Lime – To get that signature citrus flavor, fresh lime juice and zest are a must. Definitely avoid the packaged kind.
- Jalapeño – This is totally optional, but since I love heat, I always add in some jalapeño for a serious kick.
- Garlic – For that bold savory flavor, I go big on the garlic. Definitely use the fresh cloves as opposed to powdered garlic.
- Onion – I love to build the base of that creamy sauce with onion. It’s a basic ingredient, but it adds so much depth and sweetness to the recipe.
- Cream – To get that silky-smooth and luxurious base, I stir in just a little heavy cream that I combine with chicken broth.
- Smoked paprika – Just a pinch of this red spice adds a ton of smoky flavor to the chicken.
How To Make
Find the full recipe with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
Sear the chicken – The first thing I do is heat up some olive oil in a large skillet. Once that’s warmed up, I add in the chicken breasts, and I sear those for about 5 minutes per side, until they get a nice golden crust. Then I remove the chicken from the skillet.
Build the sauce – Next, I saute the onions, garlic, and chopped jalapeño until they’ve softened. Then I pour in the chicken broth, a splash of fresh lime juice, a handful of lime zest, cilantro, a dash of paprika, and crushed red pepper.
Simmer – Once the sauce is ready, I add the chicken breast back in, and I let that all simmer together for about 8 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through. And as a final touch, I stir in the heavy cream to give the sauce a luxurious finish.
Expert Tips
- Don’t over or undercook the chicken! For the perfect lime garlic chicken that is tender and juicy, make sure to cook the chicken breast to 165 F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- If you are sensitive to spice, add only some of the jalapeño or omit it entirely.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken thighs – Swap the chicken breast with skin-on boneless chicken thighs for a crispier version.
- Coconut – Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical twist.
- Extra garlic – If you’re a big fan of garlic, double the garlic in this recipe for an even bolder taste.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many ways to enjoy this juicy, creamy main-dish protein. Try it with any of the following:
- Basmati rice
- Roasted cauliflower rice
- Duchess potatoes
- Over a salad
- With a side of French fries
- In a wrap
Frequently Asked Questions
The best skillet for this chicken recipe is a heavy-bottom, large skillet. This will ensure an even heat distribution! Something like a cast-iron skillet would be great, but you can also use stainless steel or a nonstick pan of your choice.
Make sure to use the recommended amount of oil and keep the pan at medium heat. Increasing the heat to speed up the cooking time will likely cause the garlic to burn.
Storing
Place the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it again in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.
Looking for More Chicken Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
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Garlic Lime Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts average-sized
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper grated (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 lime zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil to medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for approximately 5 minutes per side. Then remove from the skillet.
- Add the onions, garlic, and grated jalapeno to the skillet. Saute for 2-3 minutes to soften. Then add the chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, chopped cilantro, paprika, and crushed red pepper.
- Stir the mixture, then add the chicken breasts back to the skillet. Simmer the chicken in the sauce for 7-8 minutes, turning the chicken once or twice in this process. Then stir in the cream and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer another 1-2 minutes, then serve warm.
Made this for dinner tonight. My husband couldn’t stop eating it, he liked it so much! I served it over some rice with extra veggies like spinach and tomatoes. Will definitely be making this again, thanks!
Really delicious! A little spicy even without the jalapeno but really good. The fresh ingredients were a delightful touch.