This Garlic Lime Chicken is generously seasoned with an incredible spice rub then sautéed in fresh lime juice and garlic. The end result is tender, juicy chicken breast bursting with flavor! Bonus – this dish is low calorie, low carb, and high protein.
Easy Garlic Lime Chicken
For a simple dinner that’s packed with flavor, you can’t go wrong with the garlic lime chicken! It starts with a seasoning rub made of spices like garlic, thyme, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Then the chicken is cooked alongside garlic, broth, and lime juice.
The end result is chicken that’s incredibly tender and juicy with layers of flavor – earthy garlic, tangy citrus, and a bit of heat. This dish will make your mouth water long after the last bite!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Recipe
- Perfect for busy nights. This garlic lime chicken comes together in under 30 minutes with just a few steps. It’s always on stand-by for those busy weeknights.
- Versatile. Serve this chicken with rice and veggies or add it to a burrito bowl. I love adding the leftovers to my salads.
- Incredible flavor. As noted above, every bite of this chicken is bursting with garlicky, citrusy, smoky. flavor.
- Satisfying and healthy. This chicken breast recipe is low in calories, low carb, and also high protein, so it keeps you satisfied without feeling heavy.
What You’ll Need
This garlic lime chicken is made with a handful of spices, fresh garlic, and lime juice.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Chicken – I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are 6 ounces each. If one end is noticeably thicker, gently pound it out so the entire breast is an even thickness.
- Spices – Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, parsley, paprika, and red pepper flakes make the fantastic spice rub for the chicken.
- Butter & olive oil – For cooking the chicken, lending richness and moisture.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is key.
- Chicken broth – Used to create the pan sauce. I always use low sodium broth.
- Lime juice – Adds a bright citrus flavor that pairs nicely with the spices. Be sure to use fresh lime juice!
How To Make Garlic Lime Chicken
This chicken breast recipe is super easy to make in just a few steps.
(Scroll to the bottom for our easy printable recipe with the complete directions and don’t miss the video below.)
- Season the chicken. Combine the spices in a bowl then season both sides of the chicken.
- Cook the chicken. Warm the butter and oil then sauté the chicken for 6 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Add the garlic and lime. Add the garlic, broth, and lime juice to the chicken. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the heat. This garlic lime chicken does have a slight kick to it, but it’s not overly spicy. You can make a more mild version by omitting the red pepper flakes, if preferred. If you want more heat, try adding some cayenne pepper.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts but you do want to take care to not overcook. Use a thermometer to check the temperature – it should be 165F.
- Use fresh lime juice. Bottled lime juice just doesn’t have the same vibrant flavor.
Video: Garlic Lime Chicken
Serving Suggestions
This garlic lime chicken pairs well with most sides. I like to enjoy it with some 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.
Proper Storage
- Fridge. Store leftover lime garlic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freezer. 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.
- Reheat. You can add this chicken cold salads or reheat it in the microwave.
More Easy Chicken Recipes:
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Garlic Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large garlic clove , minced
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
- If one end of the chicken breasts is noticeably thicker, gently pound it out 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 165F.
- Serve and enjoy!
This was easy and delicious, my whole family loved it.