Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls with Peach Salsa

Introduction

Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls with Peach Salsa are a vibrant and refreshing meal that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The star of the dish is the juicy cilantro-lime honey chicken, which is seared to perfection and tossed in a flavorful glaze of lime juice, honey, and butter. Paired with fresh jasmine rice and topped with a delightful peach salsa, these bowls are perfect for a light, healthy, and satisfying meal.

The peach salsa, made with ripe peaches, red bell peppers, cilantro, and a hint of chili powder, adds a bright and fruity complement to the smoky and spicy chicken. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish ideal for a summer lunch or dinner, but it’s so delicious that you’ll want to enjoy it year-round.

Ingredients:

For the Peach Salsa:

• 3 medium yellow peaches, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cilantro-Lime Honey Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Rice:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice

For Garnish:

• Additional chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Peach Salsa

1. In a medium bowl, combine the 3 diced peaches, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 3 chopped green onions, and 1/2 bunch of chopped cilantro.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix everything together well.
3. Set the salsa aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the chicken. This will also help soften the peaches and let the sweetness and acidity shine through.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, season the 1 lb of sliced chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken slices to the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Once cooked, reduce the heat to low.

Step 4: Add Lime Juice and Honey

1. With the heat on low, add 2 tablespoons of lime juice and 2 tablespoons of honey to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the mixture and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This will create a sweet and tangy glaze that clings to the chicken.

Step 5: Add Butter

1. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and swirl it around until it melts and fully coats the chicken, creating a rich, flavorful sauce. Allow the chicken to absorb the sauce for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

1. To assemble the bowls, divide the 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice evenly between 4 bowls.
2. Top each bowl with a generous portion of the cilantro-lime honey chicken slices.
3. Spoon the fresh peach salsa over the chicken and rice.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish each bowl with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges for extra flavor. The fresh cilantro adds a burst of herby brightness, while the lime wedges offer an extra zing.
2. Serve the bowls immediately and enjoy this colorful and delicious meal!

Cooking Note:

• Chicken: Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer a juicier and more flavorful cut.
• Peach Salsa Variations: If peaches are not in season, you can substitute with mangoes or nectarines for a similar sweet and juicy flavor. You can also add a touch of heat to the salsa by including diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
• Rice: You can replace jasmine rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthier or lower-carb option.

Serving Suggestions:

• With a Side Salad: Serve the bowls with a side of mixed greens or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
• With Tortillas: Use the ingredients to make tacos by serving the chicken and salsa in soft tortillas, perfect for a handheld meal.
• For Meal Prep: These bowls are great for meal prepping. Store the components separately in airtight containers, and assemble when ready to eat.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the peach salsa in advance and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. This gives the flavors time to meld and saves time during meal preparation.
• Glaze Options: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add an extra tablespoon of honey. For more tang, increase the lime juice.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently to preserve its texture and flavor.

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 15 minutes

Total Time:

• 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Sodium: 600mg

Conclusion

Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls with Peach Salsa offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors that make each bite refreshing and satisfying. The combination of juicy, seared chicken in a tangy honey-lime sauce with the bright, fruity peach salsa creates a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. These bowls are ideal for a healthy, vibrant meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with summer flavors.

The versatility of this dish allows for plenty of variations, whether you want to switch up the protein, make tacos, or add extra spice. Enjoy this vibrant, nutrient-packed meal, and feel free to experiment with your own personal touches!