Garlic Lime Chicken

Prep 5 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Servings 4 people

This Garlic Lime Chicken is generously seasoned with an incredible spice rub, then sautéed in fresh lime juice and garlic. I love how the chicken turns out tender and juicy, bursting with flavor! Bonus—this is one of those dishes I love because because it is low-calorie, low-carb, and high protein.

Overhead view of a lime garlic chicken breast.

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5 STAR REVIEW

Easy Garlic Lime Chicken

For a simple dinner that’s packed with flavor, I know I can’t go wrong with this garlic lime chicken. First, I make a seasoning rub with garlic, thyme, paprika, and red pepper flakes, and then I cook it in more garlic, broth, and lime juice.

The result is an incredibly tender and juicy chicken that’s loaded with layers of flavor: earthy garlic, tangy citrus, and just a touch of heat. This dish always makes my mouth water long after the first bite.

Helpful Tips

  • Adjust the heat. This recipe does have a slight kick to it, but it’s not overly spicy. You can make it milder by omitting the red pepper flakes. For more heat, try adding some cayenne pepper.
  • Avoid overcooking. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Use a thermometer to check the temperature—it should be 165°F.
  • Use fresh lime juice. Bottled lime juice just doesn’t have the same vibrant flavor as fresh limes.
5 from 1

Garlic Lime Chicken

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
This Garlic Lime Chicken is seasoned with an incredible spice rub then sautéed in fresh lime juice and garlic. Bursting with flavor, tender and juicy, this chicken breast dish is also low calorie, low carb, and high protein.

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
  • tsp smoked paprika
  • tsp onion powder
  • 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 

  • Pound the chicken so the entire breast is an even thickness.
  • In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, parsley, paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle spice mixture generously on both sides of the chicken breasts.
  • Warm butter and olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once bubbly and shimmering, add chicken and sauté until golden brown, about 6 minutes on each side.
  • Sprinkle with minced garlic and pour in the chicken broth and lime juice. Cook, stirring frequently and coat evenly with the cooking juices for 5 more minutes or until an internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 618mg | Potassium: 457mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 267IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

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How To Make Garlic Lime Chicken Step by Step

Ingredients to make garlic lime chicken.

Gather your ingredients and prepare the seasoning blend: Combine 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, and ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes in a small bowl.

Use a meat mallet to pound each breast so it is of even thickness.

Seasoned chicken breasts on a white plate.

Season the chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the chicken, making sure to cover both sides.

Cooked chicken breasts in a skillet.

Cook the chicken: Warm 2 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of oil, then sauté the chicken for 6 minutes on each side, until it turns golden brown.

Garlic and lime juice added to the skillet with the chicken.

Add the garlic and lime: Add 1 clove of garlic, ¼ cup of broth, and 3 tbsp of fresh lime juice to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes more, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Slices of garlic lime chicken on a plate with rice and a fork.

Serve: Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic lime chicken pairs well with most sides. I like to enjoy it with cilantro lime rice or cauliflower rice to keep it low carb, and a veggie like roasted broccoli or a fresh side salad.

I also love to add this chicken to quesadillas, burritos, burrito bowls, and even fajitas. Leftovers are also great chopped up and added to salad.

Two chili lime chicken breasts on a white platter with pieces of fresh lime.

How to Store

Store leftover lime garlic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Leftovers can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container or bag up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving. I like to add this chicken straight from the fridge to salads or reheat it in the microwave.

More Easy Chicken Recipes

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About Amy Flanigan

Well, hey there! Amy here, founder and COO at BellyFull. If you’re looking for tried and true, fuss-free, budget-friendly, delicious, every day recipes, you’ve come to the right place.

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1 Comment

  1. Connie says:

    5 stars
    This was easy and delicious, my whole family loved it.