Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe

This vibrant Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice is a complete meal in one pan that bursts with fresh, zesty flavors. Tender chicken thighs nestled on a bed of fluffy rice infused with lime and cilantro, complemented by black beans and corn for a satisfying, colorful dish. Ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken thighs: The star protein that stays juicy and flavorful throughout cooking. Their higher fat content means more flavor and moisture in the final dish.
• Taco seasoning: The flavor foundation that gives everything that irresistible Mexican-inspired taste. It’s the secret to building layers of flavor without adding a dozen individual spices.
• Avocado oil: Has a high smoke point perfect for searing the chicken and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• Sweet onion: Provides aromatic sweetness that mellows as it cooks, creating depth of flavor in the rice.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that essential punch that brings the whole dish together.
• Basmati rice: These long, slender grains cook up fluffy and separate, perfect for soaking up all the amazing flavors.
• Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory flavor as it cooks. Much tastier than using plain water!
• Black beans: Adds protein, fiber, and a lovely contrasting texture to the rice.
• Corn: Provides sweet little pops of flavor and beautiful color throughout the dish.
• Cilantro: The signature herb that brightens everything with its distinctive fresh flavor.
• Lime juice: Adds essential brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness and wakes up all the flavors.
• Optional toppings: Diced tomatoes, extra cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges take this dish from great to spectacular.

Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize this recipe:

• Protein Swap: Use chicken breasts, shrimp, or even sliced steak instead of chicken thighs.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken entirely and double up on beans or add roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Spice Level: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who like extra heat.
• Rice Alternatives: Try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different nutritional profile (adjust cooking times accordingly).
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle with monterey jack or cotija cheese in the last few minutes of cooking for a melty, creamy finish.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season chicken thighs with taco seasoning and salt. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for about 9-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until nicely browned. You’re just looking for a beautiful golden crust at this point—they’ll finish cooking later. Transfer to a plate.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet (don’t wash it!), sauté the onion until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This creates an aromatic foundation for your rice.

Step 3: Toast and Prepare the Rice

Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This quick step adds a subtle nutty flavor to the rice. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in corn, black beans, and remaining seasonings.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it all simmer together for 25-30 minutes. The rice will absorb the flavors while cooking, and the chicken will finish cooking to perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Final Flavoring

Remove the chicken from the skillet. Stir the remaining avocado oil, fresh chopped cilantro, and lime juice into the rice mixture. This final flourish of fresh ingredients brightens everything up.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the chicken on top of the cilantro lime rice. Add optional toppings like diced tomatoes, extra cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges for a customizable feast.

How to Serve

This Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice shines as a complete meal on its own, but you can take it to the next level with these serving suggestions:

Topping Bar

Set up a DIY topping station with diced avocado, fresh pico de gallo, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges.

Side Accompaniments

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or some quick-pickled red onions for a tangy contrast.

Serving Style

For a fun presentation, serve in individual bowls or on a large platter family-style, with the chicken arranged on top of the colorful rice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits, making this a great meal prep option.

Freezing

Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To prevent the rice from becoming mushy, slightly undercook it if you’re planning to freeze.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the rice. Microwave on 70% power with a damp paper towel covering the dish to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice brings together fresh, vibrant flavors in a satisfying one-pan meal that’s both weeknight-friendly and impressive enough for company. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice infused with lime and cilantro, plus the hearty addition of beans and corn creates a balanced dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Give it a try—I bet it’ll become one of those recipes your family requests again and again!

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