If you’re looking for a meal that’s equal parts fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, you simply have to try Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa. This dish brings together juicy, citrusy chicken and a sweet-spicy strawberry salsa in a way that feels like summer on a plate. Every bite pops with color and zing, making it perfect for everything from a quick weeknight dinner to a weekend cookout with friends. Trust me, it’ll easily become a new favorite in your rotation!

Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What really makes Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa shine is its lineup of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one serves a purpose, adding a layer of taste, texture, or brilliant color that elevates the whole dish.

Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and lean protein.
Olive Oil: Helps keep the chicken juicy and infuses the marinade with richness.
Lime Juice and Zest: The zesty brightness cuts through and flavors both the chicken and salsa.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds that unmistakable herbal freshness to both the marinade and salsa.
Garlic: Just a little minced garlic gives the chicken a wonderful savory base.
Honey: Balances the tang with a hint of natural sweetness.
Ground Cumin: Brings a warm, earthy note that ties the whole marinade together.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors forward, don’t skimp here!
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the salsa, they add juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
Red Onion: For a sharp, crunchy contrast in the salsa.
Jalapeño: Brings just the right amount of kick; adjust to your heat preference.
More Fresh Cilantro: Because you can never have too much when it comes to herbal brightness.
Extra Lime Juice: Keeps the salsa lively and ties it back to the chicken.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice and zest, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, honey, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk so everything is thoroughly mixed and the flavors start to come together. This marinade is what gives the chicken that irresistible punch of citrus and herbs.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure every piece is well coated. Seal or cover, and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours if you have the time). The longer the chicken sits, the deeper the flavor — but even a short soak works wonders!

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature hits 165°F. You’re aiming for those perfect grill marks and a juicy interior.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Salsa

While the chicken is sizzling away, toss together the diced strawberries, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, fresh cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir gently, then season with salt to taste. Let the salsa sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors can mingle and everything gets even more delicious.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve topped generously with the fresh strawberry salsa. The combination of warm, tangy chicken and cool, sweet salsa is truly what makes Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa so special!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle additional chopped cilantro over the top and maybe a few extra lime wedges on the side. A light dusting of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of good olive oil can make each plate look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish shines next to simple sides. Fluffy rice, quinoa, or grilled vegetables help soak up the salsa’s juices and complement the chicken perfectly. For a heartier meal, try serving with black beans or even a crisp green salad tossed with avocados.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this into a fun taco night by slicing the chicken and tucking it into warm tortillas with a scoop of salsa on top. Or, serve over a bed of leafy greens for a refreshing summer salad. For parties, slice the chicken thin, skewer it, and serve with little cups of salsa for dipping — Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa is endlessly adaptable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken and salsa can be kept separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping or next-day lunches. Just be sure to store the salsa in a separate container to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

The grilled chicken freezes beautifully! Simply wrap each breast tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. The strawberry salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it if needed — just know the texture will soften after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, warm it gently in a covered skillet over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Add the salsa after reheating, so you keep those flavors bright and fresh. A squeeze of extra lime can help revive any leftovers!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and hold up well to grilling. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since they may take a few more minutes to cook through.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

For a spicier Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa, simply leave in some of the jalapeño seeds or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the salsa. You can even sprinkle chili flakes into the marinade if you’re feeling bold!

What can I substitute for cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your thing, try swapping it with fresh parsley or even a bit of mint. Both will bring a different, but equally fresh, flavor to the dish.

Can I grill the chicken indoors?

Yes! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan or even a regular skillet will work just fine. You’ll still get all the wonderful flavors of Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. Grill up a batch of chicken and make the salsa in advance, storing them separately. Assemble when ready to eat for a quick, delicious lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the way bright, tangy chicken pairs with sweet, juicy strawberries in this Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa. It’s easy, fresh, and seriously delicious — I can’t recommend it enough! Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when everyone at the table asks for seconds.

Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 29 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A vibrant and healthy Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken served with a fresh and zesty Strawberry Salsa. This recipe combines tangy lime and fresh cilantro marinade with sweet and spicy strawberry salsa, perfect for a light summer dinner or outdoor grilling.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice and zest of 2 limes
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Strawberry Salsa

1 1/2 cups diced fresh strawberries
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice and zest, chopped cilantro, garlic, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will infuse the chicken with bright and savory flavors.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high to ensure a good sear and proper cooking of the chicken breasts.
Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the grill. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Make the Strawberry Salsa: While the chicken grills, combine diced strawberries, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Gently stir to blend the flavors, then season with salt to taste. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve: Plate the grilled chicken breasts and top generously with the freshly made strawberry salsa. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture combination.

Notes

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or grilled vegetables to make a complete meal.
For added heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in the salsa or add a dash of hot sauce.
Leftover strawberry salsa works great as a topping for tortilla chips or as a fresh accompaniment to fish dishes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American