Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever craved a dish that perfectly balances health and flavor? Imagine sinking your teeth into delightful grilled chicken strips, paired with vibrant steamed mixed veggies and a zesty splash of lime. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers a feast for the eyes with its colorful presentation. The aroma of marinated chicken sizzling on the grill evokes warm memories of summer barbecues shared with family and friends.
During one particular gathering, I remember serving this dish for the first time. The grilled chicken was juicy and tender, while the mixed veggies added a satisfying crunch. Guests raved about the fresh lime juice that brightened every bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, these delightful grilled chicken strips will elevate any meal. Get ready to experience an explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more!
Key Ingredients For Delightful Grilled Chicken Strips with Steamed Mixed Veggies & Lime
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You’ll need about 3-4 chicken breasts, which can be adjusted based on serving size.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for maximum flavor in your marinade.
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Mixed Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots works well for color and nutrition.
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Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for marinating the chicken and drizzling over vegetables.
For the Marinade:
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Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to manage the saltiness of your marinade effectively.
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Honey: A touch of honey provides a hint of sweetness that balances the savory elements.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Delightful Grilled Chicken Strips with Steamed Mixed Veggies & Lime
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and lime juice. Whisk together until well blended. Cut chicken breasts into strips and add them to the marinade. Ensure each piece is coated well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Second Step: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). Lightly grease the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Third Step: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off excess liquid before placing it on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should have nice grill marks.
Fourth Step: Steam the Vegetables
While grilling, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place your mixed vegetables in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender yet crisp.
Fifth Step: Combine Flavors
Once everything is cooked, transfer grilled chicken strips onto a serving platter alongside steamed veggies. Squeeze additional lime juice over both if desired.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and produce enhance flavor significantly in this recipe.
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Adjust Cooking Time: Thinner strips may require less time on the grill; monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
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Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or zucchini based on your preference.
Cooking Instructions
To prepare Delightful Grilled Chicken Strips with Steamed Mixed Veggies & Lime, start by marinating the chicken strips. Combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Next, heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the marinated chicken strips on the grill. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
While the chicken cooks, prepare your veggies. Steam a mix of broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers until they are tender yet still crisp. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
Once everything is ready, serve the grilled chicken strips alongside the steamed veggies. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish for an extra burst of flavor.
Presentation Ideas
This Delightful Grilled Chicken Strips with Steamed Mixed Veggies & Lime is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
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Quinoa Salad: Serve with a light quinoa salad featuring cherry tomatoes and avocado for added freshness.
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Brown Rice: A side of brown rice can complement this dish beautifully, adding heartiness to your meal.
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Lime Wedges: Garnish with lime wedges for a vibrant touch and extra zing when served.
FAQs
What can I serve with Delightful Grilled Chicken Strips with Steamed Mixed Veggies & Lime?
You can enhance your meal by serving Delightful Grilled Chicken Strips with various sides. Options like quinoa salad or brown rice work excellently to balance flavors and textures. Additionally, consider including a fresh green salad topped with a light vinaigrette to add contrast. For more flavor, serve lime wedges on the side so guests can squeeze them over the dish just before eating.
How do I know when the chicken strips are fully cooked?
To ensure that your Delightful Grilled Chicken Strips are done cooking safely, check their internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The safe temperature for poultry is 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer handy, cut into one of the thickest strips; it should be opaque throughout without any pinkness remaining. Letting it rest for a few minutes after grilling will keep it juicy.
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe features steamed broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, you can customize it based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Zucchini, asparagus, snap peas, or even cauliflower would work well too. Just remember to steam them until they are tender but still crisp for an appealing texture alongside your Delightful Grilled Chicken Strips.
How long can I store leftovers from this dish?
Leftovers from your Delightful Grilled Chicken Strips with Steamed Mixed Veggies & Lime can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For optimum taste and texture, reheat them gently in the microwave or on low heat in a skillet before serving again. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the chicken strips separately from the veggies for up to three months without losing quality.
Delightful Grilled Chicken Strips with Steamed Mixed Veggies & Lime
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Delightful Grilled Chicken Strips with Steamed Mixed Veggies & Lime. This healthy yet delicious dish features tender, marinated chicken strips grilled to perfection, paired with colorful steamed vegetables and a zesty lime finish. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this meal is sure to impress with its enticing aroma and eye-catching presentation.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and lime juice. Add chicken strips and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (400°F). Lightly grease grates with olive oil.
- Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Steam the veggies: While grilling, steam mixed vegetables over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes until tender but crisp.
- Serve: Arrange grilled chicken strips on a platter with steamed veggies and drizzle with additional lime juice if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 grilled chicken strip (approximately 4 oz)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg