Showing posts with label chicken. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chicken. Show all posts

Friday, October 2, 2026

Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken with Lime Crema & Southwestern Corn Sauté

 

Grilled cilantro lime chicken with a cool lime crema and colorful Southwestern corn sauté with zucchini and bell pepper. A fresh, flavorful summer dinner.




Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken with Lime Crema & Southwestern Corn Sauté


There are some dinners that just feel like summer.

Not necessarily because they're complicated or involve a special occasion, but because they're fresh, colorful and full of those bright flavors I crave when the weather is warm.

This Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken is one of those dinners.

Thin-sliced chicken breasts are marinated in fresh lime juice, garlic and smoky Southwestern spices before hitting the grill. They cook quickly and pick up those delicious little grilled edges that make me want to eat dinner outside.

Then there's the lime crema.

Cool, creamy and bright with fresh lime and cilantro, it's the perfect contrast to the warm, smoky chicken. I like spooning plenty of it right over the top.

And on the side, a colorful Southwestern Corn Sauté with sweet corn, tender zucchini and bell pepper. A little cumin and chili powder give the vegetables some warmth, while fresh lime keeps everything bright. A little butter stirred in at the end and a sprinkle of feta make it extra delicious.

It's a simple dinner, but it doesn't taste simple.

This is the kind of meal I love for those lingering summer evenings when you can still fire up the grill, pour something cold to drink and enjoy dinner outside.









Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • Thin-sliced chicken breasts — They cook quickly and evenly on the grill, making them perfect for this recipe.
  • Fresh lime juice & zest — Gives the chicken a bright citrus flavor.
  • Garlic — Adds savory depth to the marinade.
  • Chili powder — Brings warm Southwestern flavor.
  • Smoked paprika — Adds a subtle smoky note that works beautifully with grilled chicken.
  • Ground cumin — Adds earthy warmth and ties the flavors together.
  • Kosher salt & black pepper — Essential seasoning.
  • Cayenne pepper — Optional for a little extra heat.
  • Olive oil — Helps coat the chicken and carry the flavors of the marinade.

For the Cilantro Lime Crema

  • Plain Greek yogurt — Creates a cool, creamy base.
  • Fresh lime zest & juice — Brightens the crema.
  • Garlic — Adds just a little savory bite.
  • Cumin — Echoes the Southwestern flavors in the chicken.
  • Fresh cilantro — Adds a fresh, herbal finish.

For the Southwestern Corn Sauté

  • Corn — The star of the sauté, with sweet little bursts in every bite.
  • Zucchini — Adds tender texture and balances the sweetness of the corn.
  • Bell pepper — Brings color and a little natural sweetness.
  • Garlic — Adds savory flavor.
  • Cumin & chili powder — Give the vegetables their Southwestern character.
  • Fresh lime juice — Brightens everything right before serving.
  • Butter — A little melted butter at the end adds richness.
  • Feta — A salty, creamy finish that works especially well with the sweet corn and lime.




Equipment

  • Outdoor grill or indoor grill pan
  • Large skillet
  • Shallow dish or zip-top bag for marinating
  • Small bowl for the crema
  • Tongs
  • Instant-read thermometer

My Go-To's












Let's Make It Together

First, get the chicken into its lime and spice marinade. Because we're using thin-sliced chicken breasts, 30 minutes is plenty of time to give them lots of flavor.

While the chicken marinates, stir together the crema. It takes just a few minutes, and I like putting it in the refrigerator so it's nice and cold when dinner is ready.

For the sauté, start with the bell pepper, then add the zucchini and corn. Give the vegetables enough room to cook so they can pick up a few golden edges instead of simply steaming.

The garlic and spices go in near the end, followed by the butter. Take the skillet off the heat and finish everything with fresh lime juice.

Then grill the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes and spoon that cool cilantro lime crema right over the top.




Perfecting the Cooking Process

The key is keeping everything fresh and bright. Don't overcook the thin chicken breasts, and don't let the vegetables become too soft. You want the chicken juicy and lightly charred, while the corn, zucchini and peppers are tender with a little golden color. Adding the lime juice at the very end keeps that fresh citrus flavor from getting lost during cooking.



Add Your Touch

There are lots of little ways to make this dinner your own.

  • Add extra cayenne if you like your chicken with more heat.
  • Swap the feta for cotija for a slightly different Southwestern-inspired finish.
  • Add sliced avocado to the finished plate.
  • Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
  • Add a few sliced jalapeños to the vegetable sauté for extra heat.
  • Serve with warm tortillas for an easy fajita-style dinner.










Set the Mood

Food is about more than just the recipe-it's about the moment around the table.  Here are a few simple ideas to set the mood when you serve this dish.






I love dinners like this because they don't require much fuss to feel special.

The chicken is smoky and full of lime and spice, the crema is cool and creamy, and the corn sauté brings sweetness, color and a little buttery richness to the plate.

It's fresh enough for a warm summer evening, but satisfying enough to feel like a real dinner.

So fire up the grill, grab a few limes and enjoy one more easy summer meal while the season is still hanging on.

If you love easy dinners like this, you might also enjoy:




Before You Start


Can I use regular chicken breasts?
Yes. If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets so they cook more quickly and evenly.

How long should I marinate the chicken?
About 30 minutes is perfect for these thin-sliced chicken breasts. Since the marinade contains fresh lime juice, there's no need to marinate them overnight.

Can I make the lime crema ahead?
Absolutely. Make it a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve.

Can I use frozen corn?
Yes. Frozen corn works beautifully in the sauté. You can add it directly to the skillet; it may just need an extra minute or two to heat through and develop some golden edges.

Is this chicken spicy?
The chicken has plenty of Southwestern flavor without being especially hot. The cayenne is optional, so you can leave it out for a milder dinner or add more if you like some heat.

Can I cook the chicken indoors?
Yes. An indoor grill pan works very well when you don't want to fire up the outdoor grill.

What temperature should the chicken reach?
Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part.





Tuesday, September 22, 2026

One-Pan Italian Chicken with Summer Squash, Zucchini & Tomatoes


This easy One-Pan Italian Chicken with Summer Squash, Zucchini & Tomatoes is a colorful 20-minute skillet dinner finished with Parmesan, basil, and fresh lemon.


One-Pan Italian Chicken with Summer Squash, Zucchini & Tomatoes


Some of my favorite dinners come together at the end of the week, when I’m looking through the refrigerator and figuring out how to use what I already have on hand.

That’s exactly how this Italian chicken skillet came to be. I had chicken, zucchini, yellow summer squash, and a handful of cherry tomatoes waiting to be used, so I tossed everything into a skillet with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a little olive oil. A sprinkle of Parmesan, fresh basil, and a squeeze of lemon brought it all together.

The result was a colorful, flavorful dinner that felt fresh without requiring much time or effort. It’s the kind of simple meal I love on a busy evening—one pan, everyday ingredients, and very little cleanup.









-- Ingredients

  • Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking.

  • Zucchini: Adds fresh flavor and a tender, lightly browned texture.

  • Yellow Summer Squash: Brings beautiful color and a mild, delicate flavor.

  • Cherry Tomatoes: Add juicy sweetness and a pop of freshness.

  • Garlic: Gives the vegetables and chicken a savory Italian-inspired flavor.

  • Olive Oil: Used to brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables.

  • Italian Seasoning: A simple blend that brings everything together.

  • Garlic Powder: Adds another layer of savory flavor to the chicken.

  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a salty, nutty finish.

  • Fresh Basil: Adds a lovely fresh-from-the-garden flavor.

  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the entire dish and balances the Parmesan.


-- Equipment

You only need a few items to complete this great meal.
  • Large Skillet: My go-to for quick, one-pan dinners. A wide skillet gives the chicken and vegetables room to brown.

  • Sharp Chef’s Knife: Makes quick work of cubing the chicken and slicing the vegetables.

  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and tossing everything together.

My Go-To's

Large non-stick skillet - This is a workhorse in my kitchen.  I like a large 12 inch skillet to accommodate one pan meals like this one.




-- Let’s Make It Together

Start by seasoning the cubed chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brown it in a little olive oil until cooked through, then move it to a plate while you prepare the vegetables.

Next, add the zucchini and yellow squash to the same skillet. Let them pick up a little color before adding the garlic and cherry tomatoes. Once the tomatoes begin to soften, return the chicken to the pan and toss everything together.

Turn off the heat, then finish with freshly grated Parmesan, torn basil, and a squeeze of lemon. That final touch makes the whole skillet taste fresh and flavorful.




-- Perfecting the Cooking Process

The key to this one-pan dinner is cooking the ingredients in stages. Browning the chicken first gives it flavor, while cooking the squash separately helps it develop a little color without becoming mushy. Add the tomatoes near the end so they soften just enough while keeping some of their shape.






-- Add Your Touch

  • Add More Vegetables: Bell peppers or sliced mushrooms would work beautifully.

  • Make It Heartier: Serve over rice, pasta, or your favorite grain.

  • Change the Protein: Try boneless chicken thighs or peeled shrimp.

  • Add a Little Heat: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes with the garlic.




Set the Mood

A good meal deserves a great setting. Here are a few ways to set the mood when serving this dish.





This One-Pan Italian Chicken with Summer Squash, Zucchini & Tomatoes is proof that a delicious dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. A few fresh ingredients, one skillet, and a handful of simple finishing touches are all you need.

If you love easy weeknight meals, you might also enjoy my other simple chicken recipes and easy one-pan dinners.


Thanks for stopping by A Slice of Southern. I hope this recipe brings a little freshness and simplicity to your dinner table!





Before You Start


Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well, although they may need a little extra cooking time depending on the size of the pieces.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can chop the vegetables and chicken ahead of time to make dinner come together even faster.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

What can I serve with Italian chicken skillet?
Warm bread, rice, pasta, or a simple green salad all make lovely accompaniments.



Friday, September 4, 2026

Tropical Superfood Salad with Chicken & Honey-Lime Vinaigrette


Tropical Superfood Salad with Chicken & Honey-Lime Vinaigrette is a fresh, colorful summer salad packed with spinach, quinoa, berries, kiwi, chicken, walnuts, feta, and a bright honey-lime dressing.



Tropical Superfood Salad with Chicken & Honey-Lime Vinaigrette



One Last Bright Salad Before Summer Slips Away

Before we officially let summer go, I wanted to make one last big, colorful salad that feels like summer in a bowl.

This Tropical Superfood Salad with Chicken & Honey-Lime Vinaigrette is packed with the things I love about a good summer salad—fresh fruit, crisp greens, tender chicken, a little crunch, creamy feta, and a bright homemade dressing. Strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi bring all kinds of color and flavor, while quinoa and walnuts add a little more substance. And that honey-lime vinaigrette ties everything together with just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and fresh.

The word superfood is actually what caught my attention about this salad in the first place. I don't think of “superfood” as meaning a salad has to be overly healthy, restrictive, or scream diet food. To me, it simply means filling your plate with ingredients that are nutritional powerhouses—foods that give you a little more of the good stuff your body needs. And if we can make those ingredients into something that's genuinely delicious, even better.

I've also been on a bit of a mission to get my husband to branch out when it comes to salads. He's always been more of a savory-salad kind of guy, so I've been slowly introducing him to salads where fruit plays a starring role. And, little by little, he's coming around. He loved my Summer Peach & Burrata Salad with Mint & Balsamic Glaze, and my Summer Cucumber-Honeydew Salad with Grilled Chicken & Feta was another winner.

So I figured this salad was worth a try.

With juicy berries, sweet-tart kiwi, savory chicken and feta, crunchy walnuts, hearty quinoa, and that bright honey-lime dressing, it has plenty going on to make a fruit-filled salad feel like a real meal—not a bowl of “healthy food” you eat because you should.

And honestly, that's exactly how I like to eat.

Fresh. Colorful. Nutrient-forward. And delicious enough that you don't feel like you're making a sacrifice.

So before we turn the page toward fall, let's enjoy one last big, bright summer salad.

Enjoy!











-- Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this colorful, nutrient-forward salad:

  • Baby spinach
  • Cooked quinoa
  • Cooked chicken breasts
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Fresh blueberries
  • Kiwi
  • Walnuts
  • Feta cheese
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Fresh lime juice and lime zest
  • Honey
  • Dijon mustard
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

A Little Shortcut

The recipe calls for cooked chicken and cooked quinoa, which makes this salad especially quick to assemble. It's a great way to use leftovers or meal-prepped ingredients you already have in the refrigerator.

If you don't have either one ready to go, no problem—you can absolutely cook the chicken and quinoa when you're making the salad. Just allow them a little time to cool before assembling.


Equipment

You don't need any special equipment for this salad—just a large bowl for assembling everything, a good knife for cutting the fruit and chicken, and a small bowl or jar for mixing the honey-lime vinaigrette.

You'll Need

  • Large salad bowl

  • Small mixing bowl or dressing jar

  • Whisk

  • Chef's knife

  • Cutting board

  • Citrus zester

My Go-To's

  • Large Salad Bowl – A generously sized bowl gives you plenty of room to layer and gently toss all the ingredients without making a mess.

  • Chef's Knife – A sharp, comfortable knife makes quick work of the strawberries, kiwi, and cooked chicken.

  • Citrus Zester – I like a fine zester for getting the fresh lime zest nice and small so it blends beautifully into the vinaigrette.





-- Let's Make It Together

This salad is really just a matter of layering, whisking, and tossing.

1. Start with the spinach.
Place the baby spinach in a large serving bowl.

2. Add the good stuff.
Top the spinach with the cooked quinoa, sliced chicken, strawberries, blueberries, walnuts, feta, and kiwi. I like arranging everything over the spinach so you can see all those beautiful colors before tossing.

3. Make the honey-lime vinaigrette.
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, lime zest, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the honey is dissolved. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth and lightly emulsified.

4. Bring it all together.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss, or serve the dressing on the side and let everyone add their own.

That's it! A beautiful, filling summer salad is ready for the table.





-- Perfecting the Cooking Process

Since most of the work in this recipe is assembly, a few little details make a big difference.

Let cooked ingredients cool first.
If you're cooking the chicken and quinoa specifically for this salad, let them cool before assembling. Warm chicken or quinoa can wilt the spinach and make the berries softer than you'd like.

Cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces.
You want the strawberries and kiwi to be easy to pick up with the other ingredients, rather than having large pieces of fruit dominate each bite.

Don't skip the lime zest.
The fresh lime juice brings brightness, but the zest gives the vinaigrette that concentrated lime flavor that really makes it pop.

Add the dressing just before serving.
For the freshest texture, especially if you're using tender baby spinach and juicy berries, dress the salad shortly before eating.

Taste before serving.
Fruit can vary in sweetness, so give the vinaigrette a quick taste. If your berries are particularly sweet, you may enjoy a little extra lime. If they're more tart, the honey helps balance everything.




-- Add Your Touch

This salad has plenty of room for you to make it your own.

  • Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or salmon.

  • Try pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.

  • Use goat cheese in place of feta for a softer, creamier flavor.

  • Add mango or pineapple for an even more tropical twist.

  • Substitute raspberries or blackberries for some of the berries.

  • Add a little fresh mint for another layer of summer flavor.

  • Not a quinoa fan? Try another cooked grain such as farro or brown rice.

  • For a vegetarian version, leave out the chicken and add extra quinoa, chickpeas, or another favorite plant-based protein.




Set the Mood

Part of the joy of cooking is creating a little moment around the meal. Here are a few simple ways to set the mood when serving this dish.





One Last Bright Taste of Summer

I think this salad is the perfect way to wrap up my summer produce season.

We've had peaches, figs, honeydew, tomatoes, corn, zucchini—and now this bright combination of berries, kiwi, spinach, and lime gets to have its turn. And while I'm more than ready to start thinking about what's coming next, I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to colorful summer meals.

Especially when they taste this good.

And maybe I've finally made a little progress with my husband and his relationship with fruit in salads. If peach and burrata and honeydew with grilled chicken can win him over, perhaps this tropical-inspired bowl is the next step.

So if you're looking for a salad that feels fresh and summery but still gives you a satisfying meal, give this one a try.

It's nutrient-forward without tasting like you're trying to eat “healthy.” It's colorful without being fussy. And most importantly, it's delicious.

One last big, bright summer salad before we let the season go.

More Summer Favorites

If you're still holding onto summer too, here are a few more recipes to try:






Before You Start

Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely. This recipe is a great way to use leftover grilled or roasted chicken. You can also cook fresh chicken specifically for the salad if you prefer.

Does the quinoa need to be cold?
It doesn't have to be refrigerator-cold, but if you've just cooked it, let it cool to room temperature before adding it to the salad so it doesn't wilt the spinach.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep most of the components ahead of time, but I recommend waiting to add the dressing until you're ready to serve. For the freshest salad, you can also wait to cut the strawberries and kiwi until shortly before serving.

Can I make the honey-lime vinaigrette ahead?
Yes. Make the vinaigrette ahead and refrigerate it in a sealed container. Give it a good whisk or shake before serving.

Why is it called a superfood salad?
For me, “superfood” simply describes a combination of nutrient-rich ingredients. Spinach, berries, kiwi, quinoa, walnuts, and chicken all bring something valuable to the table. It's not about making a diet salad—it's about putting together a meal that's both nourishing and genuinely delicious.

Is this really a tropical salad?
The flavors aren't traditionally tropical, but the kiwi and fresh lime give this salad that bright, slightly tropical feeling. It's a little unexpected, and I think that's part of the fun.

Can I leave out the chicken?
Of course. The quinoa, walnuts, feta, and fruit still make a satisfying salad, or you can add another protein of your choice.



Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Summer Cucumber-Honeydew Salad with Grilled Chicken & Feta


This refreshing summer salad pairs sweet honeydew and crisp cucumber with grilled chicken, fresh dill, feta, and a bright lemon dressing.




Summer Cucumber-Honeydew Salad with Grilled Chicken & Feta


One of our favorite little pastimes is heading to Barnes & Noble, grabbing a drink and a snack, and wandering over to the magazine section. For me, it's usually the recipe magazines that get my attention. I can spend a surprising amount of time flipping through the pages, looking for something that makes me stop and think, I want to make that.

That's exactly what happened with this salad.

I came across a recipe in Better Homes & Gardens Fast & Fresh magazine that paired honeydew with cucumber, and the photo immediately caught my eye. It was an unusual combination, but honeydew is one of our favorite summer melons, so I was intrigued enough to give it a try.

I made a few changes to the original, including adding red onion for a savory bite and swapping in a tender green leaf lettuce which I had on hand. The result is a refreshing summer salad where sweet honeydew, crisp cucumber, fresh dill, and salty feta come together with tender grilled chicken and a bright lemon dressing.

It's the kind of lunch I want when it's hot outside—fresh, cool, flavorful, and satisfying without feeling heavy.

Enjoy!











-- Ingredients

This salad comes together with a simple mix of fresh summer produce, grilled chicken, and a bright homemade dressing. The combination of sweet honeydew, crisp cucumber, fresh dill, and salty feta gives it plenty of flavor without needing a heavy dressing.

  • fresh lemon juice
  • extra-virgin olive oil
  • honey
  • salt & pepper
  • poppy seeds honeydew melon
  • cucumber
  • green leaf lettuce
  • red onion
  • fresh dill 
  • boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • feta cheese


-- Equipment

You don't need much to make this fresh summer salad. A grill or grill pan handles the chicken, while a good knife and mixing bowl take care of the rest.

You'll Need

  • Outdoor grill or indoor grill pan
  • Digital meat thermometer
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Serving bowls or platter

My Go-To's

  • Digital Meat Thermometer – The easiest way to know your chicken is cooked perfectly without overcooking it.
  • Sharp Chef's Knife – Makes quick work of the melon, cucumber, onion, and herbs.
  • Indoor Grill Pan – Makes grilling indoor convenient when the weather doesn't cooperate.  



-- Let's Make It Together

Start by grilling the chicken until cooked through, then let it rest before slicing.

While the chicken cooks, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and poppy seeds. Add the honeydew, cucumber, lettuce, red onion, and dill, then gently toss to coat.

Serve the fresh salad alongside the sliced grilled chicken and finish with crumbled feta.

That's it—fresh, colorful, and ready for summer.




-- Perfecting the Cooking Process

  • Choose a ripe but firm honeydew - You want the melon sweet and juicy, but firm enough to hold its shape when tossed with the dressing. An overly ripe honeydew can become mushy in the salad.
  • Don't overdress the salad - The honeydew releases some of its own moisture, so you don't need a lot of dressing. Toss gently and add just enough to lightly coat the ingredients.
  • Let the chicken rest - Give the grilled chicken about five minutes to rest before slicing. This helps keep it juicy and gives you time to finish assembling the salad.
  • Use block feta - Crumbled feta from a block has a creamier texture and better flavor than the very dry pre-crumbled variety. Those little salty pieces are an important contrast to the sweet honeydew.



-- Add Your Touch

There are several easy ways to change this salad depending on what you have on hand.

  • Add toasted almonds or pistachios for crunch.
  • Swap the honeydew for cantaloupe.
  • Add a handful of fresh mint alongside the dill.
  • Replace the grilled chicken with grilled shrimp.
  • Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
  • Use goat cheese instead of feta for a softer, tangier finish.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat. 




Set the Mood

Meals taste even better when the table feels inviting. Here are a few simple ways to set the mood for this recipe.




A Fresh Take on Summer Salad

I love recipes that make you look at familiar summer ingredients a little differently. Honeydew and cucumber may not be the first pairing that comes to mind, but together they make a wonderfully crisp and refreshing combination.

If you're enjoying the best of summer produce right now, you might also like:





Before You Start


Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken, dressing, and chopped ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend waiting to toss everything together until shortly before serving. This keeps the lettuce crisp and the honeydew from releasing too much liquid.

Can I use cantaloupe instead of honeydew?
Absolutely. Cantaloupe will give you a slightly more pronounced melon flavor and a beautiful orange color. Honeydew is my favorite here because its mild sweetness works particularly well with the cucumber and dill.

Can I use leftover grilled chicken?
Yes! This is a great recipe for leftover grilled chicken. Slice it cold or gently warm it before serving.

Why use honey in the dressing?
Just a small amount of honey rounds out the tart lemon juice and complements the sweetness of the honeydew without making the dressing taste sweet.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Simply leave out the chicken and serve the salad with a little extra feta. It makes a lovely light summer side or lunch.





LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...