Bahama Breeze Chicken with Cilantro Crema Recipe

If you’re a fan of Bahama Breeze, you’re probably familiar with their delicious Chicken with Cilantro Crema.

You can create this tasty dish at home with a few simple ingredients and steps. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends!

I love making this dish because it’s flavorful and easy to prepare. The combination of grilled chicken and the fresh, creamy cilantro topping is absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual dinner to a special gathering.

Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special.

From the bright cilantro to the tangy lime juice, each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing out the best flavors.

And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert cook to pull this off.

Key Takeaways

• Make Bahama Breeze’s Chicken with Cilantro Crema at home easily.
• Key ingredients include cilantro, lime juice, and grilled chicken.
• Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make Bahama Breeze Chicken with Cilantro Crema, you’ll need to focus on three main components: the chicken and marinade, the cilantro crema, and additional seasonings and oils. Each part brings unique flavors and textures to the dish.

Chicken and Marinade

The star of this recipe is the tender, juicy chicken breasts, which soak up the flavors of a zesty marinade.

For the marinade, I combine lime juice, fresh cilantro, jalapeno pepper, garlic, and tequila.

The lime juice adds a sharp, tangy flavor, while the cilantro and jalapeno provide a fresh, spicy kick.

I always let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours in the fridge to ensure it absorbs all these delicious flavors.

Cilantro Crema Components

The cilantro crema ties everything together with its creamy, tangy goodness.

For this, I use a blend of sour cream and Mexican crema or yogurt. Fresh cilantro is essential here—it adds a vibrant, herbal note.

A touch of lime juice brightens up the crema, while garlic gives it a mild, earthy flavor.

I like my crema smooth, so I blend these ingredients until they form a silky sauce.

Additional Seasonings and Oils

Seasoning the chicken is crucial for getting that perfect bite.

I mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder. This blend gives the chicken a savory, slightly smoky taste.

Olive oil is used for drizzling on the chicken breasts before baking or grilling. It helps them cook evenly and keeps the meat moist.

A sprinkle of sea salt at the end adds a final touch of flavor.

By understanding each component, you can create a flavorful and well-balanced dish that captures the essence of Bahama Breeze Chicken with Cilantro Crema. Each ingredient plays a significant role in enhancing the taste and aroma of this delicious meal.

Preparation and Cooking Guide

Creating a delightful Bahama Breeze Chicken with Cilantro Crema involves making a flavorful marinade and then grilling the chicken to perfection.

This recipe is perfect for a summer meal, especially when paired with vibrant side dishes like mango salsa or mashed potatoes.

Creating the Marinade

To get started, I gather all my ingredients on a cutting board. I finely chop fresh cilantro and mince garlic with a sharp knife.

In a bowl, I mix olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, tequila (if desired), and spices like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and paprika.

For a twist, I love adding some diced jalapeno for extra kick.

Once everything is combined, I coat the chicken breasts evenly with this mixture. I often use a Ziploc bag, making it easy to massage the marinade into the meat.

I let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours to absorb all these wonderful flavors. If I’m short on time, I ensure it marinates for at least 30 minutes.

Just before grilling, I like to add a bit of fresh lime juice to revive the zestiness.

Grilling the Chicken

For grilling, I use either a gas grill, charcoal grill, or a grill pan.

I preheat the grill to high heat. Using tongs, I place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook each side for 3 minutes to get those perfect grill marks.

Then, I lower the heat to medium and continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This usually means an additional 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken.

Once done, I transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This keeps it juicy.

For a complete meal, I often serve the grilled chicken with a smooth cilantro crema, made by blending sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a blender until smooth.

Pairing the chicken with avocado slices, mango chunks, or hearty sides like Yukon gold mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese completes the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser for any summer gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve gathered some common questions that come up when making Bahama Breeze Chicken with Cilantro Crema. Hopefully, this helps you nail down the recipe just right!

How can I make a cilantro crema like the one served at Bahama Breeze?

To make a delicious cilantro crema, blend sour cream with freshly chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. This will give you a tangy, creamy base packed with flavor like the original recipe.

What are the key spices in the Bahama Breeze jerk chicken recipe?

For Bahama Breeze jerk chicken, you’ll want to use a mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and paprika. These spices add a nice kick to the chicken, giving it that distinctive Caribbean flavor profile.

Are there good substitutes for ingredients in a cilantro lime crema if I’m out of fresh cilantro?

If you’re out of fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro, although it won’t be as vibrant. Parsley can also be a good alternative.

For lime juice, bottled lime juice works in a pinch, but fresh lime juice is best for a bright flavor suggestions.

What is the best way to serve cilantro crema with chicken?

I find the best way to serve cilantro crema with chicken is to drizzle it over grilled or baked chicken. It adds a zesty kick to the meat.

You can also serve it on the side so that everyone can add as much or as little as they like at the table.

Can you make the Bahama Breeze cilantro crema in advance and how long can it be stored?

You can definitely make cilantro crema in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to three days.

Just give it a good stir before serving to keep the consistency smooth and creamy.

Is the cilantro crema served at Bahama Breeze similar to the one from Costco, and how are they different?

The cilantro crema from Bahama Breeze and Costco both feature cilantro and lime. However, the Bahama Breeze version is known for a slightly fresher and more homemade taste. This is due to its combination of ingredients made from scratch.

In contrast, the Costco version might have a slightly different texture and flavor complexity. This is because of its commercial preparation.