Cilantro-Lime Ground Chicken with Crispy Garlic
Ingredients
- 1½ poundsground chicken
- 6 clovesgarlic
- 2lime
- ·fresh cilantro
- 1jalapeño
- 3 tablespoonolive oil
- 1 teaspooncumin
- ½ teaspoonsmoked paprika
- ¼ teaspooncayenne pepper
- ·kosher salt
- ·black pepper
Prep
- 01
Mince 6 garlic cloves.
- 02
Juice 2 limes.
- 03
Dice 1 jalapeño, removing seeds if you prefer less heat.
- 04
Roughly chop a handful of fresh cilantro.
Method
- 01
Mince 6 garlic cloves. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a small bowl.
- 02
Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains.
- 03
Stir in 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- 04
Squeeze juice from 2 limes into the pan and stir well. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice to your preference.
- 05
Top with the crispy garlic, chopped fresh cilantro, and diced jalapeño. Serve over rice, in tacos, or with warm tortillas.
Spice Tips
For a milder version, omit the jalapeño and reduce cayenne to a pinch. For extra heat and smokiness, add 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder or increase cayenne to 1/2 teaspoon. A splash of hot sauce stirred in at the end also works well.
Serve with rice, warm tortillas, or over greens. Leftovers keep for 3 days refrigerated and reheat gently in a skillet.