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This super easy, cilantro lime chicken and rice bowl recipe is bursting with the brightest and freshest flavors possible. Boneless skinless chicken breasts are cooked until juicy and served atop a fluffy bed of lime-infused rice and tomatoes. This cilantro chicken rice is perfect for a simple dinner at home!

top view of cilantro lime chicken in bowl with tomatoes
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This quick and easy chicken and rice recipe are one for the books. Why? The chicken is marinated so it is cooked until moist and tender while it is served over the fresh, cilantro lime rice. Mmm.

The chicken marinade consists of tasty fresh ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, cumin, and some lime juice–the perfect combination for flavorful, boneless skinless chicken breasts. It doesn’t take long for the chicken to marinate in this easy recipe; this recipe is ready in about 30 minutes and is one of the best chicken and rice recipes!

Freshly chopped cilantro garnishes this easy chicken and rice recipe and gives it super bright fresh flavors. The lime is freshly squeezed and yields the perfect lime chicken with rice.

front view of chicken sliced over cilantro rice with tomatoes and lime wedges

Why This Chicken and Cilantro Rice Bowl Recipe is the Best

  • Delicious with mouthwatering flavors: The chicken absorbs all of the marinade’s flavors and makes it perfectly juicy and tender. Rice and chicken create the best combination.
  • Full of protein and healthy: Tender chicken breasts are loaded with protein and will curb any hungry appetite. If you’re looking for a filling lunch or dinner, then you should try this easy chicken and rice recipe.
  • Versatile and easy: Don’t have basmati rice? Use any kind of rice–they all work! We love this recipe because it is so easy to switch things up. Different types of proteins can be used in place of the chicken, too.
  • Perfect for weekday lunches: This is the ultimate meal prep recipe. Cilantro lime chicken and rice bowls can easily be made ahead of time and assembled for your weekday lunches at home or work.

one bowl of cilantro lime chicken with rice, limes, and tomatoes

What to Serve With This Quick and Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe

Here are some of our favorite side dishes to pair with this yummy chicken and rice recipe. We love to pair this recipe with salads, soups, or veggies.

Ingredients

chicken breasts, chicken stock, olive oil, rice, cherry tomatoes, limes, garlic, cumin, cilantro, salt, and pepper

Chicken breasts– Two chicken breasts are cut in half length-wise so the chicken cooks quicker. Be sure to use boneless and skinless chicken breasts for the best results.
Olive oil– Simple and rich olive oil provides plenty of flavor to this easy chicken and rice bowl. A good quality olive oil makes a huge difference in flavor since it is naturally robust.
Garlic– Four garlic cloves are minced are added to the marinade for the chicken. Garlic powder may also be used if you do not have access to fresh garlic.
Cumin– Aromatic cumin gives the chicken plenty of depth and makes it more flavorful. You can try other spices, too.
Salt and pepper– Kosher sea salt and pepper season this cilantro lime chicken bowl until delicious. Be careful not to add too much salt.
Lime– You will need three limes for this recipe. Be sure to keep them divided as you will use the lime juice in different steps.
Chicken stock– Rich chicken stock cooks the rice until soft and fluffy. We like to use veggie or chicken stock to cook the rice because it makes it much bolder. Water may also be used.
Rice– Basmati rice is what we usually have on hand because it fluffs up into the perfect size. Jasmine rice can also be used.
Cilantro– Freshly chopped cilantro is mixed throughout the steamed rice to give it plenty of fragrance and brightness. You will not regret using cilantro.
Tomatoes– Fresh cherry or grape tomatoes are served atop the chicken and rice bowl for flavors that are both unique and delicious. If you do not have cherry tomatoes, then you can use Roma tomatoes.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice With Chicken

First, pull out all of the ingredients, measure, and chop beforehand. This will save you a whole bunch of time.

Next, after the chicken breasts have been sliced in half, place them in a Ziploc or resealable bag with the olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and juice of one lime. Allow the chicken to marinate on the counter for 15 to 20 minutes.

cooking chicken breasts in skillet

Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Next, cook the chicken breasts for three to five minutes per side until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for 10 minutes prior to slicing.

Add the chicken stock to the skillet and bring to a boil. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet with a spatula to deglaze it. Meanwhile, slice the chicken.

Next, stir in the juice of two limes along with the dry rice. Reduce the heat and cook the rice in the liquid for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Allow the rice to steam, covered, for five minutes.

Be sure to really let the rice steam so it is soft, but don’t overdo it.

stirring cilantro in cooked rice with spoon

Finally, stir the chopped cilantro into the rice and top with sliced chicken. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and enjoy!

top view chicken and rice garnished with tomatoes in a white bowl

Recipe Notes and Tips For This Rice and Chicken Dish

  • Instead of chicken, feel free to use fish, shrimp, or beef.
  • Cauliflower rice will work in place of regular rice.
  • Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
  • Make the chicken spicy by adding red chili flakes.
  • Be sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
cilantro lime rice with tomatoes and chicken and limes

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chicken and rice healthy?

This chicken and rice bowl recipe is healthy because it contains healthy protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. A great filling dish!

What can I add to cooked rice for flavor?

Instead of using water, we like to use chicken or beef stock. For this simple and easy chicken recipe, we recommend using chicken stock since chicken is used.

What goes with cilantro lime rice?

All sorts of foods complement cilantro lime rice such as chicken, fajitas, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, vegetables, soups, salads, etc.

How long can you marinate chicken in lime?

We recommend marinating the chicken in lime juice for no longer than 12 hours. We love this recipe because it doesn’t take long to marinate the chicken.

cilantro lime chicken with rice and tomatoes in bowl

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5 from 1 vote

Cilantro Lime Chicken Rice Bowls

By: Rena
Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Marinating Time: 15 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
one bowl of cilantro lime chicken with rice, limes, and tomatoes
This super easy, cilantro lime chicken and rice bowl recipe is bursting with the brightest and freshest flavors possible. Boneless skinless chicken breasts are cooked until juicy and served atop a fluffy bed of lime-infused rice and tomatoes. This cilantro chicken rice is perfect for a simple dinner at home!

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut in half; lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Kosher sea salt, to taste
  • Kosher black pepper, to taste
  • 3 limes, divided
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • ½ bunch cilantro, chopped and divided
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped

Instructions

  • Place the chicken in a ziploc bag together with the olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and juice of 1 lime. Allow it to marinate for 15-20 min over the counter.
  • Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  • Set aside and allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then slice.
  • Add the chicken stock to the skillet and bring to a boil. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze the pan.
  • Stir in the juice of the remaining 2 limes and the rice. Reduce the heat and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Once all the water was absorbed, remove from heat, and allow the rice to steam, covered, for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped cilantro and top with the sliced chicken and cherry tomatoes.

Notes

  • Instead of chicken, feel free to use fish, shrimp, or beef.
  • Cauliflower rice will work in place of regular rice.
  • Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
  • Make the chicken spicy by adding red chili flakes.
  • Be sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Nutrition

Calories: 612kcalCarbohydrates: 90gProtein: 38gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 486mgPotassium: 935mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 322IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Tried this recipe?Mention @healthyfitnessmeals or tag #healthyfitnessmeals!

About Rena Awada

Hi, I’m Rena! Welcome to my blog. I am here to help you prepare delicious, light, fresh meals that your whole family will love!

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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