Lime-sauced chicken

Lime-sauced Chicken Recipe with Apple Juice and Cornstarch

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lime-sauced chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the tangy taste of lime with tender chicken breast. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

The origins of lime-sauced chicken are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in the Caribbean or Latin America, where citrus fruits like lime are commonly used in cooking to add brightness and acidity to dishes.

Ingredients

0.5 medium lime
2 tsp cornstarch
0.75 cup apple juice or cider
0.5 tsp dry instant chicken bouillon

How to prepare

4 medium (12 oz (340 g) total) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
Spray a large skillet with cooking spray.
Preheat the skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until tender and no longer pink, turning to brown evenly.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
Meanwhile, remove strips of peel from the lime using a vegetable peeler.
Cut the peel into thin strips and set aside.
Squeeze 1 tbsp of juice from the lime.
Combine the lime juice, apple juice, cornstarch, and bouillon granules.
Carefully add the mixture to the skillet.
Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.
Cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes.
To serve, cut each chicken breast half into 1-inch diagonal pieces.
Spoon some sauce over each serving.
Garnish with the reserved lime peel.
Pass the remaining sauce.
* Per serving: 170 calories, 26 g protein, 7 g carbohydrates, 3 g fat, 72 mg cholesterol, 111 mg sodium, 277 mg potassium.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or onions to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
Use lemon juice instead of lime juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the chicken until it is no longer pink in the middle to ensure it is fully cooked.

- To add extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for a few hours before cooking.

- Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve lime-sauced chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making tender and juicy lime-sauced chicken is to cook it over medium heat until it is no longer pink in the middle. Be sure not to overcook the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cider on hand, you can substitute apple juice or chicken broth for a similar flavor profile. You can also use lemon juice instead of lime juice for a slightly different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. Simply store the marinated chicken in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the lime-sauced chicken with fresh lime slices or wedges for a decorative touch. Serve the dish on a bed of rice or quinoa for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lime-sauced chicken pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lime juice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover lime-sauced chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the chicken until heated through or warm in a skillet over medium heat.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of lime-sauced chicken contains 170 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of lime-sauced chicken contains 7 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of lime-sauced chicken contains 3 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of lime-sauced chicken contains 26 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lime-sauced chicken is a good source of potassium, with each serving containing 277 mg.

Alergens

This recipe contains cornstarch, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Lime-sauced chicken is a low-calorie, high-protein dish that is rich in potassium and low in carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Lime-sauced chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With its tangy lime sauce and tender chicken breast, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, much like today, when I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook that I had borrowed from a dear friend. The pages were yellowed with age and the binding was worn, but the words were clear and the pictures vibrant. As I flipped through the book, my eyes landed on a recipe for lime-sauced chicken that caught my attention.

I had always loved cooking, ever since I was a young girl watching my own grandmother in the kitchen. She had taught me the art of combining flavors and spices, and I had spent many hours experimenting with different recipes and creating my own. But this recipe for lime-sauced chicken was unlike anything I had ever seen before.

I read through the ingredients and instructions, imagining the tangy citrus flavor of the lime sauce paired with the tender chicken. It sounded delicious, and I knew I had to try it for myself. So, I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, following the steps carefully and adding my own personal touch.

As the dish cooked, the aroma filled my home, and I could hardly contain my excitement. When it was finally done, I plated the chicken and drizzled the lime sauce over the top, garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The first bite was a revelation – the flavors melded together perfectly, creating a dish that was both light and satisfying.

I shared the meal with my family that evening, watching as they savored each bite and showered me with compliments. It was a proud moment for me, knowing that I had created something truly special. From that day on, lime-sauced chicken became a staple in our household, a recipe that I would turn to time and time again.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking the ingredients and techniques to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness. And each time I make it, I am transported back to that sunny day when I first discovered it in that old cookbook.

But the true beauty of this recipe lies not just in its taste, but in the memories and experiences that it has brought me. It is a reminder of my love for cooking and the joy that it brings me, a connection to my past and the generations of women who have passed down their culinary knowledge to me.

As I sit here now, preparing to make another batch of lime-sauced chicken for dinner, I am grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It has become a part of who I am, a reflection of my passion for food and the joy of sharing it with others. And as I take that first bite, I am filled with a sense of contentment, knowing that I have found something truly special in the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal.