Fiery Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls with Peach Salsa Recipe

Sizzling summer nights call for a zesty cilantro-lime chicken bowl that dances with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients.

The combination of tangy lime and aromatic cilantro infuses every tender bite of succulent chicken.

Juicy peach salsa adds a sweet and bright layer of complexity to this dish, creating a perfect balance of savory and fruity notes.

Colorful ingredients come together in a bowl that promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Each forkful brings a burst of refreshing tastes that will transport you to a sunny kitchen.

Bold and simple, this recipe delivers a meal that satisfies both hunger and cravings for something extraordinary.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, making it an ideal choice for a quick and delicious dinner.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 493 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls with Peach Salsa

• Peaches: Sweet summer fruit that adds juicy brightness to the salsa, choose ripe but firm peaches for best texture.
• Red Bell Pepper: Provides crisp crunch and vibrant color, select peppers with smooth, glossy skin.
• Red Onion: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor that complements the sweet peaches, look for firm onions without soft spots.
• Green Onions: Introduces mild onion undertones and fresh green color, choose bright green stalks with white crisp bottoms.
• Cilantro: Adds herbaceous, citrusy notes that elevate the entire salsa, select bright green leaves without wilting.
• Lime Juice: Brings zesty acidity that balances the sweetness, use fresh limes for maximum flavor.
• Chili Powder: Introduces subtle heat and depth, opt for high-quality ground chili for complex flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and harmonizes all salsa ingredients, use kosher or sea salt for better taste.

• Chicken Slices: Lean protein that absorbs marinades beautifully, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts.
• Olive Oil: Creates perfect searing environment for chicken, select extra virgin for richer taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky complexity to chicken, use high-quality Spanish variety for authentic flavor.
• Honey: Provides sweet glaze that caramelizes chicken, choose raw local honey for deeper taste.
• Butter: Creates luxurious finish with rich, smooth texture, use unsalted for better control.

Tools You’ll Need for Peach Salsa Chicken Bowls

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining peach salsa ingredients and tossing everything together.
• Cutting board: Essential for dicing peaches, peppers, and chopping herbs.
• Sharp knife: Helps create precise, even cuts for salsa and chicken preparation.
• Skillet or large frying pan: Ideal for searing and cooking the chicken to perfection.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning for both chicken and salsa.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and flipping chicken while cooking.
• Serving bowls: Provides a beautiful presentation for the final dish.

How to Build Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls from Scratch

• Fruity Salsa Burst

Fresh peaches dance with crisp bell peppers, zesty onions, and bright herbs creating a vibrant salsa full of summer energy. Lime juice adds a tangy kick while chili powder brings subtle warmth.

• Sizzling Chicken Magic

Spice-rubbed chicken transforms in a hot skillet, developing golden edges and juicy interior. Sweet honey and bright citrus create a glossy coating that elevates each tender morsel. Finishing with a whisper of butter adds luxurious smoothness.

• Bowl Symphony

Fluffy white rice becomes the canvas for this colorful meal. Pile on the sparkling salsa, crown with glistening chicken, and scatter fresh cilantro for a final flourish. Lime wedges invite an extra splash of sunshine.

Tips to Brighten Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls with Peach Salsa

• Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or black beans for a quick protein alternative that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
• Adjust chili powder and heat levels by adding jalapeños or reducing spices to suit your personal taste preferences without compromising flavor.
• Prepare peach salsa and marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to develop and simplifying meal preparation.
• Experiment with different grains like quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice to create a lighter or more nutritious base for your bowl.
• Store salsa and chicken separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days, keeping components fresh and preventing soggy ingredients.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Bowls with Peach Salsa

• Elevate Your Dining Experience: Serve these vibrant bowls on a warm summer evening with friends, creating a festive and colorful meal that celebrates fresh, zesty flavors.
• Customize Your Bowl: Let everyone build their own bowl by setting out extra toppings like sliced avocado, crispy tortilla strips, or a dollop of sour cream for personalized enjoyment.
• Pair with Perfect Drinks: Complement the bright, tangy chicken bowls with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing tropical mocktail to enhance the meal's summer vibes.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the peach salsa and chicken ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator for quick and easy assembly during busy weeknights.

Storing Leftover Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls

• Batch Prep Like a Pro: Cook extra chicken and peach salsa to create quick lunches throughout the week. Separate ingredients into individual containers for grab-and-go meal options that stay fresh and delicious.
• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers to maintain maximum flavor and texture. Chicken stays good for 3-4 days, while salsa remains fresh for 2-3 days when refrigerated properly.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze cooked chicken in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Salsa doesn't freeze well due to peach texture, so prepare fresh when ready to enjoy. Thaw chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of water or lime juice to prevent drying. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating and maintain juicy, tender chicken texture.

Tantalizing Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls With Peach Salsa

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired cilantro-lime chicken bowls dance with zesty peach salsa, creating a fresh summer meal. Juicy chicken, tangy marinade, and sweet salsa combine for you to enjoy a delightful culinary escape.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps honey
• 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 medium yellow peaches, pitted and diced
• 1 sweet red bell pepper, diced
• ½ bunch cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, diced
• 3 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lime juice
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 cups cooked Jasmine rice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, sliced

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Instructions

1. Peach Salsa Preparation: Dice peaches into uniform cubes and finely chop red bell pepper, red onion, green onions, and cilantro. Combine in a mixing bowl with lime juice, chili powder, and salt, gently tossing to blend flavors. Let the mixture rest to intensify taste profiles.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Pat chicken dry and slice into thin strips. Coat thoroughly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder, ensuring even coverage.
3. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place seasoned chicken strips, creating a golden-brown crust by allowing 3-4 minutes of undisturbed cooking.
4. Flavor Infusion: Reduce heat to medium-low, flip chicken, and introduce lime juice and honey. Stir frequently, basting chicken until fully cooked and reaching 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
5. Finishing Touches: Remove from heat, incorporate unsalted butter for a glossy finish. Fluff jasmine rice and plate by layering rice, peach salsa, and chicken strips.
6. Presentation: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges, creating a vibrant, aromatic dish that balances citrusy, sweet, and savory notes.

Notes

• Peach Precision: Dice peaches uniformly to ensure consistent texture and prevent mushy salsa.
• Searing Secrets: Let chicken sit undisturbed during initial cooking to develop a golden-brown crust that locks in flavor.
• Temperature Triumph: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy results.
• Flavor Fusion: Allow salsa to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to let ingredients meld and intensify taste profiles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 493
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg