Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe

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!

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.

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.

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.

• Mexican Sweet Corn Soup
• Street Corn Salad
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Roasted Broccolini
• Homemade Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

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.

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.

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Healthy Recipes You Will Love

• Cilantro Lime Chicken Bites Recipe
• Cilantro Lime Grilled Salmon
• Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
• Garlic and Lime Shrimp Meal Prep Recipe
• Lime & Cilantro Shrimp Recipe

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