There is something truly comforting and vibrant about a home-cooked meal that brings together zesty flavors and satisfying textures effortlessly. The Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe does exactly that by combining tender, flavorful chicken thighs with aromatic basmati rice infused with bright lime and fresh cilantro. It’s a one-pan sensation that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma and your table with a vibrant, colorful feast that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the bold taco seasoning to the fresh burst of lime juice and the creamy touch of sour cream, every element plays its part beautifully.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they stay tender and soak up all the seasoning perfectly.
- Taco seasoning: Adds a warm, smoky spice profile that brings depth to the chicken and rice.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor, sprinkled in stages for balance.
- Avocado oil: Has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, great for searing the chicken crisply.
- Small sweet onion: Adds natural sweetness and a soft texture to the base of the dish.
- Garlic cloves: Give a punch of aromatic flavor, mellowed gently during cooking.
- Basmati rice: This long-grain rice cooks fluffy and separate, soaking up all the broth and spices.
- Chicken broth: Introduces savory richness as the rice cooks together with the chicken.
- Black beans: Provide creaminess, protein, and a pop of texture and color.
- Corn kernels: Bring subtle sweetness and bursts of juiciness in every bite.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and brightens the spices.
- Fresh cilantro: Offers herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- Lime juice: The star of the recipe’s name, delivering zesty acidity and freshness.
- Diced tomatoes, sour cream or Mexican crema, and lime wedges (optional): Garnishes to boost flavor and add contrast.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by sprinkling 1 ½ tablespoons of taco seasoning and ½ teaspoon salt evenly over the chicken thighs. Heating 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 9 to 10 minutes, flipping once to develop a gorgeous golden brown crust. The goal here is to build flavor with that sear, not fully cook the chicken yet – we’ll finish it simmered in the rice.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Toast the Rice
Using the same skillet, toss in your diced sweet onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent, which brings out its natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more to release that irresistible aroma, being careful not to burn it. Next, sprinkle in the rinsed basmati rice and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring occasionally—this step adds a subtle nuttiness that makes a difference.
Step 3: Add Broth, Beans, and Corn
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the pan’s bottom gently with a spoon to deglaze and lift all those flavorful browned bits from searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics. Stir in the rinsed black beans, drained corn, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning. This medley creates a tasty and hearty base for your rice and chicken to cook together.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken
Place the seared chicken thighs neatly on top of the rice mixture, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let everything simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. During this time, the rice will soften, soak up the delicious liquid, and the chicken will cook through perfectly, steaming in all those vibrant flavors.
Step 5: Finish and Serve Your Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe
Once the rice is tender and the chicken cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil, the chopped cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice to the rice, bringing a joyful brightness that ties every component together. Serve the chicken thighs on top of the rice and add your choice of garnishes like diced tomatoes, extra cilantro, dollops of sour cream or Mexican crema, and lime wedges to make every bite a celebration.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are where this dish becomes personalized and festive. Diced ripe tomatoes add a juicy pop, fresh cilantro leaves offer yet more herbal brightness, while cooling sour cream or Mexican crema brings a creamy contrast to the zesty and spicy notes. Don’t forget lime wedges for guests who want to add an extra splash of citrus zing.
Side Dishes
This recipe is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, simple roasted vegetables, or a fresh avocado and tomato salsa. Choose sides that add freshness or mild crunch to complement the creamy rice and tender chicken without overpowering the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more casual vibe, serve everything family-style in one big skillet at the table, letting everyone help themselves. Alternatively, plate the chicken atop a mound of the rice and garnish elegantly for a dinner party presentation. Wrapping leftovers in warm tortillas also makes a tasty, portable lunch idea the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of the Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it an easy grab-and-go meal—or perfect for those busy nights when cooking from scratch feels like too much work.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too. Just allow the dish to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the rice feels dry. Stir occasionally to warm evenly without drying out the chicken. Refresh with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro just before serving to revive the lively flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can swap chicken breasts if you prefer. However, thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during simmering. If using breasts, watch them closely to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
Is basmati rice necessary or can I use other types of rice?
Basmati’s fluffy, separate grains are ideal for this recipe, but you could also try jasmine rice. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice as they may become mushy when cooked with the other ingredients.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and increase the beans or add more veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the rice. The taco seasoning and lime will still keep the flavors vibrant.
How spicy is the Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe?
The spice level is mild to moderate, thanks to the taco seasoning. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or extra black pepper to taste.
What if I don’t have avocado oil?
Avocado oil has a high smoke point which is great for searing, but you can substitute with other neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or light olive oil without changing the flavor much.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe that makes it a fantastic meal to whip up any night of the week. Its lively flavors, ease of preparation, and comforting nature come together in a dish that feels both festive and satisfying. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll likely find it a new favorite that brings smiles at the dinner table every time.
Print
Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice recipe offers a flavorful, one-pan meal combining tender chicken thighs, fragrant basmati rice, black beans, and corn, all infused with zesty lime and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, it delivers balanced nutrition and vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
Rice & Vegetables
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 ¼ cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 ¾ cups chicken broth
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can corn, drained
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Finishing & Garnish
- â…” cup finely chopped cilantro (from 1 bunch)
- ¼ cup lime juice (from 2–3 limes)
- Diced tomatoes (optional for garnish)
- Finely chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)
- Sour cream or Mexican crema (optional for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Sprinkle 1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning and ½ teaspoon salt evenly over the chicken thighs. Heat 2 tablespoons avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 9–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned. Transfer to a clean plate. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage; a golden sear is what you want.
- Sauté Aromatics and Toast Rice: In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add rinsed basmati rice and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Broth, Beans & Corn: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits for extra flavor. Stir in black beans, corn, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning.
- Simmer with Chicken: Lay chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish & Serve: Remove chicken from skillet. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon avocado oil, chopped cilantro, and lime juice into the rice. Serve chicken over the rice and garnish with optional toppings: diced tomatoes, extra cilantro, sour cream or Mexican crema, and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is browned but not fully cooked during searing as it will finish cooking with the rice.
- Rinsing basmati rice is important to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for best flavor contrast and brightness.
- Optional toppings like sour cream and lime wedges elevate the dish’s texture and acidity.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
