The Juicy Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken With Strawberry Salsa Recipe

Crisp summer afternoons call for a zesty cilantro lime grilled chicken that bursts with fresh flavors and colorful excitement.

Marinating the meat creates a tangy, vibrant foundation for your culinary adventure.

Juicy chicken breasts absorb the bright citrus notes while strawberry salsa adds unexpected sweetness.

Mexican-inspired seasonings dance across each tender bite, promising a meal that surprises and delights.

Fragrant herbs and ripe strawberries combine in a symphony of taste that feels both elegant and relaxed.

Bright ingredients mingle together, creating a dish perfect for backyard gatherings or quiet weekend dinners.

You will love how simple ingredients can become something extraordinary with just a few clever techniques.

Why This Grilled Chicken Dish Stands Out

• Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: Combines zesty lime, spicy jalapeño, and sweet strawberries for a taste adventure that brings excitement to your meal.
• Master Simple Grilling Technique: Perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their outdoor cooking skills without complicated steps or professional training.
• Celebrate Fresh Ingredient Magic: Uses vibrant, seasonal ingredients that transform a basic chicken dish into a restaurant-worthy culinary experience with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows adjusting spice levels, swapping ingredients, and accommodating different dietary preferences while maintaining delicious core flavors.

Ingredients for Cilantro Chicken and Strawberry Salsa

• Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the primary base for this flavorful grilled dish.

• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Provides bright, citrusy acidity and tenderizes the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents the chicken from sticking to the grill.
• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the marinade.
• Garlic: Contributes a pungent, aromatic flavor to the chicken.
• Jalapeno: Offers a spicy kick to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the chicken's natural flavors.

• Strawberries, Red Onion, Jalapeno: Create a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy salsa topping.
• Cilantro: Provides a fresh herbal element to the salsa.
• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Adds brightness and acidity to the salsa.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the salsa's overall flavor.

Steps to Make This Grilled Chicken Flavorful

Step 1: Whip Up Fresh Strawberry Salsa

Chop ripe strawberries into small dices. Finely mince red onion and jalapeno pepper.

Zest and squeeze fresh lime. Roughly chop cilantro leaves.

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt. Gently toss everything together and set the vibrant salsa aside to let flavors meld.

• Strawberries
• Red onion
• Jalapeno pepper
• Lime
• Cilantro
• Salt

Step 2: Craft Zesty Chicken Marinade

Create a flavorful marinade by blending lime juice and zest with olive oil. Mince fresh garlic and additional cilantro.

If desired, add extra jalapeno for heat. Season with salt and black pepper.

Pour marinade over chicken pieces, ensuring each portion gets thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.

• Chicken
• Lime
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Cilantro
• Jalapeno (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Heat outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. Place marinated chicken onto hot grates.

Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, creating beautiful char marks. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using meat thermometer.

Remove chicken when fully cooked and juices run clear.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Transfer grilled chicken to serving plate.

Generously spoon fresh strawberry salsa over top. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves if desired.

Enjoy the burst of summer flavors combining tangy, sweet, and savory elements.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Cilantro Chicken

• Let chicken soak in the zesty lime and cilantro mixture for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F (75C) for safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Prepare strawberry salsa just before serving to maintain crisp texture and vibrant flavors.
• Remove jalapeno seeds for milder heat or add extra for a spicier kick in both marinade and salsa.
• Replace chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version of this bright, summery dish.

Fun Ways to Style Strawberry Chicken Salsa

• Tropical Paradise Chicken: Swap strawberries with diced mango and add a touch of coconut milk to the marinade for a Hawaiian-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace strawberry salsa with a Greek-style salsa using diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and feta cheese crumbles.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate chipotle peppers in the marinade and top with a roasted corn and black bean salsa for a bold southwestern flavor profile.
• Asian Inspired Rendition: Infuse the marinade with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, then garnish with a quick pickled cucumber and radish salsa.

Best Dishes to Pair With Strawberry Salsa Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the bright, citrusy flavors of the cilantro lime chicken and strawberry salsa.
• Enhance with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with cucumber and avocado to balance the grilled chicken's richness and add refreshing texture.
• Match with Coconut Rice: Prepare coconut rice as a subtle, creamy side dish that will absorb the tangy salsa juices and provide a smooth contrast to the spicy jalapeno notes.
• Serve with Sparkling Water: Add a splash of lime or cucumber to sparkling water for a non-alcoholic option that mirrors the recipe's fresh, vibrant profile and cleanses the palate between bites.

Storing Grilled Chicken Without Losing Flavor

• Seal leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent flavor mixing.
• Wrap grilled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze salsa in separate container for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying. Add fresh salsa after reheating for best taste.

FAQs

• Is jalapeno necessary for this recipe?

No, you can skip the jalapeno in both the salsa and marinade if you prefer a milder dish or don’t like spicy food. The recipe works well without it.

• Can I use frozen strawberries for the salsa?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen strawberries will be too mushy and watery for this salsa.

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

While the recipe suggests 30 minutes to overnight, aim for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken. Overnight marinating will result in more intense flavor.

Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken With Strawberry Salsa Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cilantro lime grilled chicken dances with zesty Mexican-inspired flavors, promising a culinary adventure. Bright strawberry salsa adds sweet-tangy notes that elevate this fresh summer dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade:

• 2 limes, juice and zest (or 1/4 cup lime juice)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1 jalapeno, finely diced (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Strawberry Salsa:

• 1 pound strawberries, diced (~2 cups)
• 1/4 cup red or green onion, finely diced or sliced
• 1 jalapeno, finely diced
• 1 lime, juice and zest
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant strawberry salsa by combining diced strawberries, minced onion, finely chopped jalapeno, fresh lime juice and zest, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Allow flavors to meld while preparing the chicken.
2. Create a zesty marinade using lime juice and zest, olive oil, finely chopped cilantro, minced garlic, optional jalapeno, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces, ensuring even coverage.
3. Refrigerate marinated chicken for 30 minutes to overnight, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
4. Heat grill to medium-high (around 400°F), ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
5. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, rotating once to create attractive crosshatch grill marks. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring chicken is fully cooked but remains juicy.
6. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
7. Plate grilled chicken and generously top with prepared strawberry salsa, garnishing with additional fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

• Swap jalapeños with bell peppers for a milder version that’s kid-friendly and reduces spice intensity.
• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by using a resealable plastic bag, which ensures even coating and easier cleanup.
• For gluten-free diets, confirm all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free and use alternative seasonings if needed.
• Create a vegetarian alternative by substituting chicken with firm tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms, maintaining the vibrant marinade and salsa flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg