Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken Rice Bowl
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever feel like your taste buds are stuck in a rut? Our Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice is here to rescue them! This bowl is bursting with fresh, zesty flavors, like a little fiesta in your mouth.
Brief Overview
This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine to your kitchen. Think healthy Mexican chicken bowl meets Fiesta Lime Chicken .
It's an easy recipe that's ready in about 45 minutes. This recipe yields 4 servings. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Main Benefits
This Easy Chicken and Rice Bowl is packed with protein and vitamins, making it a nutritious and delicious meal. Serve this up for a casual weeknight dinner.
What makes this recipe special is the Lime Marinade for Chicken . It infuses the chicken with a tangy, refreshing flavor.
Plus, the fresh avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
Honestly, I used to dread cooking rice. It always turned out mushy! But this recipe? Foolproof.
Unlock the Zesty Secret: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice!
look into into Flavor Town
Ready for a dish that's both vibrant and satisfying? Our Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice bowl will transport your taste buds.
Imagine tender, juicy chicken bursting with citrusy goodness, nestled on a bed of fluffy, cilantro infused rice. It is a delight, I promise!
A Little Background
This recipe isn't just delicious; it's inspired by the best of Tex-Mex cuisine, like Chipotle Chicken Bowl Recipe , but made even better at home! It is super easy to whip up, even on busy weeknights.
It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. Serves 4 hungry people.
Why You'll Love This Bowl
This bowl is not just tasty, it is a good source of protein and essential nutrients. The avocado adds healthy fats and creaminess.
The Fresh Avocado takes the taste up a notch. It's perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. It’s also a great option for meal prepping! What makes this recipe extra special is the combination of fresh cilantro and zesty lime.
This really brings the dish to life. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try it with Grilled Tofu for a vegetarian option.
Cilantro Lime Chicken is a recipe that I have refined over the years, and I can say that it is an experience you will not regret it!
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's get this Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice party started! You won't believe how easy it is. First, gather your ingredients.
Main Ingredients, Dude
- Chicken: You will need 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut into 1 inch cubes. Chicken quality matters. Look for air-chilled or organic if you can. Makes a HUGE difference.
- Marinade:
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil.
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes).
- ¼ cup (15g) packed fresh cilantro , chopped. Fresh cilantro gives you that zing!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder.
- ½ teaspoon cumin.
- ½ teaspoon salt.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Rice:
- 1 cup (200g) long grain rice. Rinsed, of course!
- 2 cups (475ml) water or chicken broth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional).
- Salt to taste.
- Cilantro Lime Rice (after cooking):
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice.
- ¼ cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro.
- Toppings: These are optional. But highly recommended!
- 1 Fresh Avocado , diced.
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned).
- ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained.
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped.
- Salsa.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese.
- Pickled jalapeños
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
Forget boring! Essential spices are chili powder and cumin. This combo gives that fiesta lime chicken flavour that we’re looking for.
- Flavour Enhancers : Don’t skip fresh garlic! It's a game changer.
- Spice it Up : Want heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade!
- Substitution Tip : Smoked paprika can stand in for Chili powder.. Gives a smokier taste.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Mixing bowls.
- Ziplock bag or container for marinating.
- Grill or skillet. For cooking the chicken.
- Saucepan with lid. Rice time!
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Cutting board.
- Knife.
That’s it, simple as! You can substitute a grill pan for an actual grill. A large frying pan works too. You don’t need fancy stuff!
Get ready to enjoy this incredible Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice Bowl. Honestly, it will become one of your fav dishes! Don't forget that you can always add Grilled Tofu instead of chicken if you are in the mood.
Cooking Method: Nailing the Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Chicken Rice Bowls ? This Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice is a total game changer.
It's like bringing the Fiesta Lime Chicken vibe right into your kitchen. Let's get down to business with the best way to nail it.
I like to add Fresh Avocado to the mix.
Prep Steps for Cilantro Lime Chicken
Essential mise en place : Get everything chopped and measured. Seriously, it makes life so much easier. Nobody wants to be scrambling for garlic while the chicken burns.
Time saving organization tips : Chop the cilantro and garlic while the limes are being squeezed. You know? Efficiency! Having all of the ingredients for the Lime Marinade for Chicken will help to make things easier to prep.
Safety reminders : Wash your hands after handling raw chicken. Duh! And keep that raw chicken juice away from your veggies.
I once cross contaminated my salad and let's just say it wasn't pretty.
step-by-step Process to make Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice
- Marinate the chicken: Combine olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and let it sit for at least 20 minutes . The longer, the better!.
- Cook the rice: In a saucepan, bring the rice, water, and salt to a boil. Then, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 18- 20 minutes .
- Make the Cilantro Lime Rice: Stir in lime juice and cilantro.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-fry it over medium high heat for about 5- 7 minutes per side. Aim for an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Assemble the bowls: Rice first, then chicken, then all your favourite toppings!
Pro Tips for Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Expert technique : Marinate the chicken overnight if you have time. Seriously, it's a flavour explosion!.
- Common mistakes to avoid : Overcooking the chicken. It becomes dry and sad. Use a meat thermometer!.
- make-ahead option : Cook the rice and prep the toppings ahead of time. Then, all you have to do is cook the chicken when you're ready to eat.
Honestly, this Easy Chicken and Rice Bowl is so versatile! It's naturally a Healthy Mexican Chicken Bowl you can add Grilled Tofu instead of chicken if you are trying to be meat free and have some vegetarian friends coming over.
And for a Chipotle Chicken Bowl Recipe simply add a tiny touch of paprika to the sauce! Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for the Best Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice
Right, so you're about to make some banging Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice , yeah? Fantastic choice! But before you dive in, let's have a quick natter about some things I've learned along the way.
Honestly, these little tips can really elevate your Chicken Rice Bowls game.
Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, even if it's just for you. Think about layering those flavours and colours. Start with the Cilantro Lime Chicken , then pile on that fluffy rice.
A dollop of sour cream? Yes, please! A scattering of Fresh Avocado ? Absolutely!
For sides, you can't go wrong with a bit of coleslaw or some grilled corn. Drinks wise? I reckon a light Mexican beer or even just some iced tea would be spot-on.
I'm thinking about Lime Marinade for Chicken with a splash of tequila!
Storage Savvy
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the Cilantro Lime Chicken cool down a bit first. Then, whack it in an airtight container and bung it in the fridge.
It'll be good for up to 3 days , mate.
Freezing? Not ideal, but you can freeze the cooked chicken separately. Just make sure it's properly defrosted before reheating. Reheating is easy.
Microwave it, warm it in a pan, or even pop it in the oven. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
Safety first!
Remixing the Recipe
Fancy a bit of a twist? If you're after a Healthy Mexican Chicken Bowl , try swapping out the rice for quinoa. Boom, extra protein!
If you are Vegetarian you can go with Grilled Tofu . It absorbs the Lime Marinade for Chicken beautifully. For a seasonal swap, try adding roasted butternut squash in the autumn.
Oh my gosh, it’s delicious!
Nudging Nutrition
Okay, so this Easy Chicken and Rice Bowl isn't exactly health food. Let's be real. But it does have some goodness.
The chicken is lean protein, and the Fresh Avocado is packed with healthy fats.
Lime, Cilantro Lime Chicken and Cilantro are all great sources of vitamins, too. Just maybe go easy on the sour cream and cheese, you know?
So there you have it, a few extra notes to help you nail this recipe. Go on, give it a go! You'll be surprised how easy it is to create a restaurant worthy Chipotle Chicken Bowl Recipe right at home.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! The chicken and rice can both be cooked ahead of time and stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them before assembling your bowls. In fact, letting the flavours meld in the fridge overnight can sometimes even make it taste better like a proper Sunday roast, but Mexican style!
What's the best way to cook the chicken for Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice?
You've got options, mate! Grilling the chicken gives it a lovely smoky flavour, but pan-frying works just as well, especially if you want that nice crispy sear. Just make sure to cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) nobody wants a "raw chicken" scandal like on Kitchen Nightmares!
Can I freeze Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice?
The chicken freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. The rice can also be frozen, but the texture might change slightly upon thawing. If you're planning to freeze it, slightly undercook the rice to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated.
It's a bit like freezing mash potatoes, the texture is never quite the same after.
I don't have fresh cilantro. Can I still make Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice?
Fresh cilantro is key to that vibrant flavour, but if you're in a pinch, you can use dried cilantro. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro for every ¼ cup of fresh. However, remember that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavour, and honestly, it won't be quite the same as the real deal, but sometimes you've just got to "make do and mend," as my Nan always used to say!
Is there a way to make this Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice spicier?
Of course! A pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes added to the chicken marinade will give it a nice kick. You could also add a finely chopped jalapeño (seeds and all, if you're feeling brave!) or serve with a spicy salsa.
If you want some inspiration, head down to your local Nandos restaurant and take a look at their peri ometer.
What kind of rice works best for Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice bowls?
Long grain rice like basmati or jasmine rice works best because they cook up nice and fluffy. However, you can use whatever rice you have on hand. Brown rice is a healthy alternative, but it will take longer to cook, so plan accordingly.
A bit like choosing the right tea bag for your cup of tea, there's a right rice for the right dish!
Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 600 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |
