If you’re longing for a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and impossible to resist during grilling season, let me introduce you to Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa. Juicy, marinated chicken is kissed by the grill, then dressed up with a refreshingly bold salsa of ripe strawberries, kicky jalapeño, and plenty of zesty lime. You’ll love how the fresh ingredients, colorful presentation, and wildly delicious contrast of sweet and tangy will wake up your weeknight dinners or turn an ordinary gathering into a sensational feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity — each ingredient is chosen for maximum impact in taste, color, or texture. From the aromatic marinade to the juicy salsa, every element pulls its own delicious weight and makes the Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa an unforgettable main dish.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless breasts — they’re lean and grill up beautifully, soaking in all that citrusy marinade.
- Olive oil: This adds richness to the marinade, keeping the chicken moist while it grills.
- Fresh lime juice: Essential for brightness and a zippy tang that makes the whole dish pop.
- Lime zest: Don’t skip this — the zest packs tons of aromatic flavor you can’t get from the juice alone.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is a must for that earthy, irresistible undertone.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro gives both the marinade and salsa their signature herbaceous lift.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness balances out the lime and brings the marinade together.
- Cumin: Just a little for warm, smoky depth that complements the lime and garlic.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors forward — taste as you go!
- Black pepper: Adds a mild bite that plays well with the other spices.
- Fresh strawberries: The salsa’s star — pick ripe, juicy berries for the best burst of sweetness.
- Red onion: Finely chopped to give a sharp, crunchy contrast and beautiful color to the salsa.
- Jalapeño: Seed it for milder spice or leave a few seeds in for a bigger kick — your call!
- More fresh lime juice: A squeeze in the salsa ties all the fresh flavors together.
- Pinch of salt: Melds all the salsa ingredients and makes those strawberry flavors sing.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, honey, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mixing these ingredients first ensures every piece of chicken gets evenly coated in those layers of flavor — you’ll be blown away at how zesty it smells already.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour that vibrant marinade right over the chicken, then seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours if you have time). The longer it sits, the deeper the flavor, but even a half hour infuses a zippy freshness that makes Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa truly special.
Step 3: Mix the Strawberry Salsa
While your chicken soaks up all that savory lime-cilantro goodness, let’s turn our attention to the salsa. Combine the diced strawberries, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir gently — you don’t want to crush those gorgeous berries. Pop it in the fridge so the salsa can mingle and all the flavors brighten up even further.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from its marinade, letting the excess drip off (but no need to wipe it clean — those little flecks of seasoning are flavor gold!). Grill each breast for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Once the chicken is off the grill, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This keeps the juices locked inside for mouthwatering tenderness. Slice the chicken, then generously spoon over the chilled strawberry salsa. Every bite is an explosion of citrusy, herby, smoky, and sweet. The combination is everything you want in a summer dinner plate.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a flourish! Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro and a little fresh lime zest over the top before serving to make those colors pop. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of honey or a dusting of flaky sea salt ups the wow factor and gives your Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa that extra-special finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with sides that soak up all the saucy goodness. Fluffy rice, tender quinoa, or even grilled corn on the cob are all excellent choices. If you want to keep things light, opt for a mixed green salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette — it echoes those bright notes in the chicken and salsa perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to show off the colorful beauty of your Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa, try serving it on a big platter with sliced chicken fanned out and salsa mounded in the center. Or, for a fun spin, slice the chicken and serve in tacos or lettuce wraps with extra salsa on the side. It looks as stunning as it tastes, especially for summer parties and barbecues!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and strawberry salsa in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will keep well for up to 3 days, while the salsa stays fresh and juicy for about 2 days. Keeping them separate is key so the salsa remains crisp and the chicken doesn’t get soggy.
Freezing
While the marinated, cooked chicken freezes well for up to 2 months, the fresh strawberry salsa is best enjoyed fresh due to the strawberries’ delicate texture. If you want to plan ahead, make a big batch of the grilled chicken, freeze in portions, and whip up a quick salsa with fresh berries when you’re ready!
Reheating
To reheat the grilled chicken, gently warm slices in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until just heated through. Be careful not to overdo it so it doesn’t dry out. Top with freshly made salsa to revive all the brightness of the original Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and just as flavorful when grilled with this marinade. Adjust cook time as needed since thighs are often thicker and fattier, but you’ll end up with equally fabulous results.
Is this recipe spicy?
The strawberry salsa has a gentle jalapeño kick, but it’s easy to control. Remove all the seeds for mild heat, or leave some in if you like a little extra spice. You can also skip the jalapeño entirely for a sweet-only salsa.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! Mix up the marinade up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Marinate the chicken up to 4 hours before grilling for the ideal flavor infusion in your Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer for the best accuracy. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the chicken will feel firm to the touch.
Can I make this dish without a grill?
Definitely! If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. You’ll still get that beautiful char and zesty flavor for your Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall head over heels for Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa. The fresh flavors, stunning colors, and ease of preparation make it one of those recipes you’ll come back to all summer long (and probably all year!). Give it a try for your next dinner — I can’t wait to hear what you think!
