The Zesty Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls With Peach Salsa Recipe

Cilantro-lime chicken bowls burst with vibrant, zesty flavors that dance across your palate like a summer symphony.

These colorful culinary creations blend tangy citrus notes with fresh herbal undertones, creating a mouthwatering meal that transcends ordinary dinner routines.

Bold ingredients change simple proteins into extraordinary dining experiences, elevating weeknight cooking from mundane to magnificent.

Mexican-inspired seasonings infuse each tender bite with remarkable depth and complexity, promising a sensory adventure that awakens your taste buds.

Bright, contemporary ingredients merge seamlessly, offering a perfect balance of protein, freshness, and exciting texture combinations.

Seasonal produce and strategic spice blends turn basic ingredients into restaurant-quality dishes you can craft with minimal kitchen expertise.

Summer’s bounty comes alive in this recipe, promising a delightful fusion of unexpected flavor profiles.

Why Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls with Peach Salsa Hit Every Note

• Burst with Bright Flavors: Dive into a zesty combination of tangy lime, sweet peaches, and smoky spices that dance together in perfect harmony, creating a mouthwatering explosion of taste in every single bite.
• Effortless Gourmet Meal: Whip up this restaurant-quality dish in just 20 minutes, using simple cooking techniques that make you feel like a professional chef without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Wonderland: Experience a delightful contrast between the juicy, tender chicken, the crisp peach salsa, and the soft, fluffy Jasmine rice that provides a satisfying mouthfeel with each spoonful.
• Summer on a Plate: Capture the essence of sunny days with this vibrant, colorful bowl that brings tropical and fresh ingredients together, making it perfect for light dinners or weekend lunch celebrations.

What You’ll Need for Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls with Peach Salsa

• Peaches: Fresh, ripe fruits with sweet summer flavor and juicy texture for salsa.
• Red Bell Pepper: Crisp vegetable adding vibrant color and mild sweetness to salsa.
• Red Onion: Sharp ingredient providing zesty bite and crunchy texture.
• Green Onions: Mild onion with fresh, delicate flavor for garnishing.
• Cilantro: Bright herb with distinctive flavor for salsa and garnish.
• Lime: Citrus fruit for adding tangy acidity and fresh zest.

• Chicken Slices: Lean protein that absorbs marinades and seasonings beautifully.
• Butter: Rich ingredient for adding smooth, luxurious finish to chicken.

• Chili Powder: Warm spice blend providing mild heat and depth of flavor.
• Salt: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall dish taste.
• Black Pepper: Aromatic spice adding subtle warmth and complexity.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoky spice with rich, deep flavor for chicken.
• Honey: Natural sweetener creating caramelization and balancing savory notes.
• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat for searing and developing chicken flavor.
• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant, soft rice serving as perfect base for bowl.

How to Cook Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls with Fresh Peach Salsa

Step 1: Prepare Vibrant Peach Salsa

• Diced peaches
• Red bell pepper
• Red onion
• Green onions
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Salt

Mix everything together and taste. Adjust seasonings until the salsa sparkles with flavor.

Step 2: Create Zesty Cilantro-Lime Chicken

• Salt
• Pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip the chicken, lower the heat, and splash in lime juice and honey. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly. Once chicken is fully cooked, remove from heat and swirl in a tablespoon of butter for extra richness.

Step 3: Build Flavor-Packed Bowls

• Scoop fluffy Jasmine rice into serving bowls
• Pile on the fresh peach salsa
• Layer the cilantro-lime chicken on top
• Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro
• Garnish with lime slices for a bright finish

Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of summer flavors!

Tips for Juicy Chicken and Zesty Peach Salsa Bowls

• Dice Peaches Perfectly: Cut peaches into uniform, small cubes for a consistent salsa texture that ensures every bite is balanced with flavor and freshness.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken sit with spices for 15-30 minutes before cooking to allow seasonings to deeply penetrate and enhance the meat's taste.
• Control Skillet Heat: Use medium-high heat to create a beautiful golden-brown sear on chicken without burning, which locks in juices and creates a delicious caramelized exterior.
• Balance Sweet and Tangy: Adjust lime juice and honey quantities to achieve a perfect harmony between acidity and sweetness in the chicken sauce.
• Rest Chicken Before Serving: Allow cooked chicken to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help redistribute juices, ensuring each slice remains tender and moist when added to the rice bowl.

How to Keep Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls Fresh for Later

• Refrigeration: Store chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Peach salsa stays fresh for 3-4 days, while cooked chicken remains good for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep rice in a separate sealed container to maintain its texture.
• Reheating Chicken: Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.
• Freezing Option: Freeze chicken and salsa individually in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sides and Drinks That Go with Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair this zesty cilantro-lime chicken bowl with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, refreshing wines complement the bright citrus and sweet peach notes perfectly, cutting through the richness of the honey-glazed chicken.
• Cool Down with Craft Beer: Select a wheat beer or light summer ale to match the dish's tropical and tangy flavors. Hefeweizens with their subtle citrus undertones work wonderfully, providing a crisp and smooth drinking experience that balances the chicken's spicy-sweet profile.
• Refresh with Tropical Mocktail: Create a non-alcoholic peach-lime spritzer using fresh peach puree, lime juice, sparkling water, and a touch of honey. This vibrant drink mirrors the bowl's ingredients, offering a refreshing and complementary beverage that enhances the meal's tropical essence.
• Add Creamy Avocado Side: Serve a simple avocado salad alongside the bowl to introduce a creamy, cool element that contrasts with the zesty chicken and salsa. Diced avocados with a sprinkle of salt, lime juice, and extra cilantro will provide a luxurious texture and additional layer of flavor.

Fun Ways to Remix Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls with Peach Salsa

• Tropical Mango Fusion: Swap peaches with ripe mangoes for a vibrant Caribbean-inspired salsa, adding a sweeter tropical profile to the dish.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños and replace chili powder with chipotle powder to create a bolder, smokier flavor experience.
• Mediterranean Herb Escape: Use Greek yogurt as a base, swap chicken with grilled lamb, and add mint leaves for a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey.
• Coconut Curry Adventure: Infuse the chicken with coconut milk and mild curry powder, topping the bowl with toasted coconut flakes for an exotic Southeast Asian touch.

Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls With Peach Salsa Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cilantro-lime chicken bowls bring Mexican-inspired summer flavors to your dinner table. Juicy grilled chicken nestles with fresh peach salsa over fluffy rice, creating a perfect balance of zesty and sweet notes you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced

Spices and Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Liquids and Fats:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon butter

Peach Salsa Ingredients:

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 3 medium yellow peaches, pitted and diced
• 1 sweet red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, diced
• 3 green onions, finely chopped
• ½ bunch cilantro, chopped

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Rice and Garnish:

• 2 cups cooked Jasmine rice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vibrant peach salsa by dicing ripe peaches into small, uniform cubes and finely chopping red bell pepper, red onion, green onions, and fresh cilantro.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced peaches, bell pepper, red onion, green onions, and cilantro with freshly squeezed lime juice (approximately or 30 milliliters).
3. Sprinkle chili powder (or 2.5 grams) and a pinch of kosher salt over the salsa mixture, gently tossing to ensure even distribution of flavors.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more lime juice, salt, or chili powder according to personal preference, then set the salsa aside to allow flavors to meld.
5. Pat chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels and slice into thin, even strips (approximately 1/2 inch or 1.3 centimeters thick).
6. Season chicken strips generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika (or 5 grams), and chili powder (or 2.5 grams).
7. Heat olive oil (or 30 milliliters) in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
8. Carefully place seasoned chicken strips in the hot skillet, allowing them to sear for 3-4 minutes without moving, creating a golden-brown crust.
9. Flip chicken strips and reduce heat to medium-low, immediately adding freshly squeezed lime juice (or 30 milliliters) and honey (or 21 grams).
10. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, frequently stirring and basting chicken with the lime-honey mixture until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
11. Remove skillet from heat and stir in unsalted butter (or 14 grams) to create a glossy, rich finish.
12. Fluff cooked jasmine rice with a fork and divide among serving bowls.
13. Spoon the prepared peach salsa generously over the rice, creating a colorful base.
14. Arrange the cilantro-lime honey chicken on top of the salsa.
15. Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and thin lime wedges for an extra burst of citrusy brightness.

Notes

• Elevate your summer dining with this vibrant, sweet-and-spicy chicken bowl that bursts with fresh peach salsa and zesty lime flavors.
• Marinate chicken briefly with bold spices like smoked paprika and chili powder to infuse deep, robust taste in every bite.
• Create restaurant-quality peach salsa by balancing sweet, tangy, and spicy elements through careful ingredient selection and seasoning adjustments.
• Master skillet cooking technique by searing chicken on high heat, then gently finishing with honey and lime for perfectly caramelized, juicy results.
• Transform simple ingredients into a gourmet meal by layering rice, salsa, and spiced chicken, allowing each component to complement the others.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime slices to add brightness and visual appeal, elevating the dish from good to extraordinary.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg