This garlic lime chicken is coated with a bold, savory spice rub, then sautéed with fresh lime juice, minced garlic, butter, and chicken broth until tender and juicy. It is a quick chicken breast recipe with bright citrus flavor, warm spices, and just a gentle kick of heat. It also happens to be low in calories, low in carbohydrates, and high in protein, making it a great option for a simple weeknight dinner.
5 STAR REVIEW
“This was easy and delicious, my whole family loved it.” – Connie
Easy Garlic Lime Chicken
When you need a flavorful dinner without a lot of prep work, this easy garlic lime chicken is a dependable choice. The chicken breasts are first pounded to an even thickness, which helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. They are then seasoned on both sides with a simple blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried herbs, smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
After the chicken develops a golden crust in a hot skillet, fresh garlic, chicken broth, and lime juice are added to create a light, tangy pan sauce. The lime brings brightness, the garlic adds depth, and the broth helps keep the chicken moist as it finishes cooking. The result is a tender chicken breast recipe that tastes fresh, savory, and satisfying without being heavy.
This garlic lime chicken is especially useful because it works with so many meals. Serve it with rice, vegetables, salad, or a low-carb side, or slice it for burrito bowls, quesadillas, wraps, and meal prep lunches. It is quick enough for busy nights but flavorful enough to make again and again.
Helpful Tips
- Adjust the heat. This recipe has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but it is not overly spicy. For a milder version, leave them out. If you prefer more heat, add a small pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Do not overcook the chicken. Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. For the best texture, use an instant-read thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Use fresh lime juice. Fresh lime juice gives this dish its bright, clean flavor. Bottled lime juice will not taste as vibrant.
- Pound the chicken evenly. Even thickness helps the chicken cook at the same rate, preventing dry edges and undercooked centers.
Garlic Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (6 oz. each)
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp dried parsley
- ⅛ tsp smoked paprika
- ⅛ tsp onion powder
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
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Pound the chicken breasts so each piece has an even thickness.
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In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried parsley, smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
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Warm the butter and olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. When the butter is bubbly and the oil is shimmering, add the chicken. Cook until golden brown, about 6 minutes per side.
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Add the minced garlic, chicken broth, and fresh lime juice. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, spooning the pan juices over the chicken, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an automatic estimate and may vary depending on the exact products used and any changes made to the recipe.
How To Make Garlic Lime Chicken Step by Step
Gather the ingredients and mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine ¾ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon dried parsley, ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika, ⅛ teaspoon onion powder, and ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
Season the chicken: Sprinkle the spice blend over both sides of the chicken breasts. Coat them evenly so every bite has the same garlic, herb, and lime-friendly flavor.
Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sauté for about 6 minutes on each side, until the outside is golden brown.
Add garlic, broth, and lime juice: Add 1 minced garlic clove, ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth, and 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice to the skillet. Cook for about 5 more minutes, spooning the pan juices over the chicken, until it reaches 165°F internally.
Serve: Let the chicken rest briefly, then serve it with your favorite side dishes. Spoon any remaining garlic lime pan juices over the top for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic lime chicken pairs well with a wide range of sides. For a fresh and satisfying meal, serve it with cilantro lime rice, cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli, or a simple side salad. The bright lime flavor also works nicely with crisp vegetables and mild grains.
You can also slice or chop the chicken and use it in quesadillas, burritos, burrito bowls, fajitas, wraps, or salads. Because the seasoning is bold but versatile, leftovers can be turned into a completely different meal the next day.
How to Store
Store leftover garlic lime chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It can be enjoyed cold in salads or reheated gently before serving.
To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat until warmed through. For best results, avoid overheating so the chicken stays moist.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Dijon
- Pizza Parmesan Chicken
- Apricot Chicken
- Boursin Chicken