Name: Cilantro Lime Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon lime zest; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup club soda (optional); 1 cup tomatoes, finely chopped; 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped; 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat); 5 green onions, finely chopped; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for salsa); 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (for salsa); ¼ teaspoon salt (for salsa); ½ teaspoon black pepper (for salsa)

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This Cilantro Lime Chicken combines smoky, juicy grilled chicken with bright lime and fresh cilantro, all topped with a sweet-and-spicy strawberry salsa. It’s light, vibrant, and packed with summer flavor in every bite, perfect for both casual weeknights and relaxed weekend gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and vibrant flavors that taste like summer on a plate
Juicy grilled chicken with a citrusy, herby marinade
Sweet and slightly spicy strawberry salsa for a unique twist
Quick to prepare and ready in under 45 minutes
Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining guests

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cilantro lime chicken
1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
¼ cup club soda (optional, helps tenderize the meat)

For the strawberry salsa
1 cup tomatoes, finely chopped
1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
5 green onions, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Directions

Prepare the marinade
In a blender, combine olive oil, honey, chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, salt, pepper, and club soda if using. Blend for about 30 seconds until smooth. If you do not have a blender, whisk everything together in a bowl until fully combined.

Pound the chicken
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan, gently pound the chicken to about ½ inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken juicy.

Marinate
Place the chicken in a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for 2 hours or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

Make the strawberry salsa
In a medium bowl, combine chopped tomatoes, strawberries, jalapeño, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Grill the chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid flipping too often to allow proper grill marks to form.

Serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Spoon the strawberry salsa generously over the top and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Bake instead of grill by cooking at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until fully cooked through.

Use mango, pineapple, or peaches in place of strawberries for a different fruity salsa.

Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for extra heat.

Serve sliced in tacos, wraps, or over rice for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep well for up to 3 days. The salsa is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days as the strawberries release juice over time.

To freeze, store the grilled chicken (without salsa) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave in short intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and often turn out even juicier. Adjust grilling time slightly if they are thicker.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 20 minutes is recommended, but 2 hours to overnight will give the best flavor.

Is the strawberry salsa very spicy?

It has mild heat from the jalapeño. Remove the seeds or use less pepper for a milder version.

Can I make this without a grill?

Yes, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until it reaches 165°F internally.

Can I prepare the salsa ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours in advance. For best texture and flavor, enjoy it within 24 hours.

Why use club soda in the marinade?

Club soda helps tenderize the chicken and keeps it moist, but it is optional.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?

Yes, you can freeze it raw in the marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

What can I serve with this chicken?

It pairs well with rice, grilled vegetables, corn, salads, or wrapped in flatbread.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe as written is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cilantro Lime Chicken with Strawberry Salsa is a fresh, flavorful dish that brings together smoky grilled chicken and bright, juicy salsa in the best way possible. It’s simple to prepare, full of vibrant ingredients, and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.