Introduction:
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Corn Salsa is a vibrant, zesty, and fresh dish perfect for warm-weather meals or anytime you want a burst of bright flavors. The grilled chicken is marinated in a tangy mixture of cilantro, lime juice, and spices, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat with a slightly smoky char. Paired with a colorful, crunchy corn salsa made from sweet corn, tomatoes, and peppers, this dish is a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Itโs ideal for healthy dinners, summer cookouts, or meal prepping lunches that feel special but require minimal effort. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and packed with fresh ingredients that will delight your taste buds.
How to Make Delicious Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Corn Salsa:
Cook Time:
30 minutes (15 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook)
Nutritious details:
- Calories per serving: ~400
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbs: ~18g
- Fat: ~15g
- High in: Protein, Fiber, Vitamin C, Antioxidants
Ingredients:
For the chicken marinade:
- 2 chicken breasts
- Juice of 2 limes
- ยฝ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the corn salsa:
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 tomato, diced
- ยฝ red bell pepper, diced
- ยผ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeรฑo, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Detailed Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, coating them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
- Meanwhile, prepare the corn salsa by combining corn kernels, tomato, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeรฑo, lime juice, and cilantro in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice.
- Serve the grilled chicken topped with generous spoonfuls of the fresh corn salsa.
Expert Tips:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes if possible to deepen the flavor.
- Use fresh corn in season for the sweetest salsa.
- Add avocado slices to the salsa for extra creaminess.
- Serve with brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- If grilling indoors, use a grill pan and watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Conclusion:
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Corn Salsa is a bright, flavorful dish thatโs perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy grilled chicken with fresh, crunchy salsa makes for a satisfying and healthy meal packed with protein, vitamins, and bold flavors. Easy to prepare and delicious to eat, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.