Fresh Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa Recipe

Crafting a zesty cilantro lime grilled chicken with unexpected strawberry salsa brings summer flavors dancing onto your plate.

Vibrant ingredients spark magic in this simple yet stunning dish.

Fresh strawberries mingle with bright herbs, creating a colorful companion for perfectly charred chicken.

Each bite promises a tantalizing blend of smoky, sweet, and herbal notes that wake up tired taste buds.

Mexican-inspired seasonings infuse the meat with incredible depth, while the fruity salsa adds a refreshing counterpoint.

Juicy grilled chicken becomes something extraordinary when paired with this unconventional salsa.

Prepare to impress everyone at your next backyard gathering with this mouthwatering recipe.

Why Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Stands Out

• Master Flavor Fusion: Combine zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and sweet strawberries for a tantalizing taste explosion that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet delight.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Marinate chicken quickly with common pantry ingredients, creating a restaurant-quality dish without complex techniques or hard-to-find components.
• Healthy Eating Made Delicious: Pack lean protein with vibrant, low-calorie strawberry salsa, offering a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on incredible flavor profiles.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or quick weeknight dinners that impress family and friends with minimal cooking skills required.

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless cuts that form the protein core of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps coat the chicken and enhance grilling performance.
• Lime Juice: Provides bright, tangy flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a zesty, herbal note to the chicken marinade.

• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that adds depth to the chicken flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic and savory undertones to the marinade.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

• Strawberries, Red Onion, Cilantro, Lime Juice: Fresh ingredients that create a vibrant, refreshing salsa topping.
• Jalapeno: Optional ingredient for adding a spicy kick to the salsa.
• Honey: Optional sweetener that balances the salsa's flavors and adds a subtle sweetness.

Steps for Juicy Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with the marinade.

Let the chicken sit and absorb flavors for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Strawberry Salsa

• Diced strawberries
• Diced red onion
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime juice
• Finely chopped jalapeno (if using)
• Honey (if using)

Stir gently and set aside to allow flavors to meld.

Step 3: Preheat Grill

Heat the grill to medium-high temperature. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill Chicken

Place marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Chicken should have nice grill marks and be completely white throughout.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes.

This helps retain juices. Plate the grilled chicken and top generously with fresh strawberry salsa.

Serve immediately while chicken is warm.

Tips for Grilling and Slicing Chicken

• Let chicken soak in lime-cilantro mixture for at least 30 minutes to infuse deep, zesty tastes before grilling.
• Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Adjust honey in strawberry salsa to control sweetness, adding more or less based on strawberry ripeness and personal preference.
• Remove jalapeno seeds for milder heat or add more for extra kick in strawberry salsa, catering to different spice tolerances.
• Prepare strawberry salsa right before serving to maintain vibrant colors and crisp texture, complementing the warm grilled chicken perfectly.

Tasty Twists for Cilantro Lime Chicken Lovers

• Herb Swap Chicken: Replace cilantro with fresh parsley or basil for a different herbal profile, maintaining the zesty lime marinade and grilling technique.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Swap chicken breasts with turkey cutlets or pork tenderloin, keeping the same marinade and grilling method for a lean protein alternative.
• Tropical Fruit Salsa Variation: Substitute strawberries with diced mango or pineapple, adding a tropical twist to the fresh salsa while maintaining the cilantro and lime flavors.
• Vegetarian Grill Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, using the same marinade and grilling technique for a plant-based version of the dish.

Pairings for Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Salsa

Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the zesty cilantro and lime flavors, cutting through the chicken’s richness with its bright, refreshing acidity.

A classic cocktail with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec enhances the dish’s citrusy and spicy notes, creating a vibrant Mexican-inspired experience.

A light, effervescent drink with fresh mint leaves provides a cool, palate-cleansing backdrop that balances the strawberry salsa’s sweetness and the chicken’s spices.

A light, fruity rosé wine echoes the strawberry salsa’s freshness while offering a delicate, smooth accompaniment that doesn’t overpower the delicate chicken flavors.

Storing Cilantro Lime Chicken After Dinner

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container, keeping salsa separate. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and taste.
• Wrap chicken individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Salsa doesn't freeze well, so prepare fresh when serving. Chicken stays good for up to 3 months.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying. Avoid overheating.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish, add splash of water or chicken broth. Cover with foil, warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• How do I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

Mix olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat chicken breasts completely and let sit for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor absorption.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Yes, adjust the heat by adding or reducing jalapeno in the strawberry salsa. For no heat, skip the jalapeno entirely. For more spice, keep the seeds or add more chopped pepper.

• What if I don't have fresh strawberries?

You can substitute with frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) or other fresh berries like raspberries or diced mango. The key is maintaining a sweet and tangy fruit component in the salsa.

Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken With Strawberry Salsa Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling cilantro lime grilled chicken dances with zesty strawberry salsa, creating a summer sensation that blends Mexican-inspired flavors. Fresh ingredients and bold spices promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Strawberry Salsa Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
3. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. While chicken cooks, prepare strawberry salsa by combining diced strawberries, red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and optional jalapeño and honey.
6. Gently mix salsa ingredients, allowing flavors to meld for 5-10 minutes.
7. Let grilled chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain juices.
8. Plate chicken and generously top with fresh strawberry salsa.
9. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves if desired.
10. Serve immediately while chicken is hot and salsa is fresh.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Grill chicken over medium-high heat to prevent drying out, aiming for internal temperature of 165°F.
• Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the salsa to balance the tangy lime and spicy jalapeño.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity based on personal spice tolerance, or substitute with bell pepper for milder version.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg