One Pan Cilantro Lime Chicken and Cilantro Rice

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This Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is one of those dinners that comes together in one pan, in 30 minutes, and cleanup is a breeze. Juicy and tender cilantro lime chicken paired with a soft buttery cilantro rice. is quick, easy, and full of flavor. We also like to top it with Strawberry Pineapple Mango Salsa when I have time to make it.

Grilled chicken breasts on a bed of seasoned rice, garnished with cilantro and lemon wedges.

PMc says:

What I love most is how the lime juice and cilantro really brighten up the chicken, giving it a fresh taste. It tastes like something youโ€™d get at a restaurant.

A close-up of grilled chicken breasts on a bed of seasoned rice, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges, being stirred with a wooden spoon.

Ingredients

The full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions is at the bottom of this post. You can save a tree and the recipe to your personal and private recipe box here on Call Me PMc. This way, youโ€™ll never misplace it.

  • chicken breasts
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • limes
  • fresh cilantro
  • honey
  • cayenne pepper
  • ground cumin
  • Sea salt
  • Ground black pepper
  • rice
  • unsalted butter
  • garlic
  • chicken broth
A plate of grilled chicken breast on a bed of rice, garnished with a lemon wedge and cilantro. Fork placed beside plate.

Cilantro Lime Chicken Cooking Tips

  • For extra tender chicken, try marinating it in the lime juice and spices for about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to really soak in.
  • Make sure your chicken is an even thickness. You can use a mallet to pound them to an equal size if needed.
  • When cooking the rice, let it simmer with the lid on to ensure it absorbs all the broth and flavors without getting mushy.
  • Add a little extra lime juice at the end if you want an extra zesty kick to both the chicken and the rice.
A pan filled with seasoned grilled chicken breasts on a bed of white rice, garnished with lime wedges and fresh herbs.
A skillet filled with cooked rice, grilled chicken pieces, cilantro, and lime wedges. A wooden spoon is seen mixing the ingredients.

Cilantro Lime Chicken FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and add a bit more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly. Thighs may take longer to cook through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make the chicken and rice, store them separately, and reheat them when ready to serve. The flavors actually get better after a day in the fridge.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook, so youโ€™ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You may also need to add more broth to ensure the rice is fully cooked.

What if I don’t like cilantro?
If cilantro isnโ€™t your favorite, you can swap it out with parsley for a more mild flavor without losing the freshness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep and can I freeze it?
Yes, allow it to cool completely and freeze in an airtight container or in individual serving containers for 1 month.

A plate of food garnished with a lime wedge and a Fork placed beside plate.

Conclusion

One Pan Cilantro Lime Chicken and Cilantro Rice is a simple yet satisfying meal. Itโ€™s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even meal prep. The fresh lime and cilantro flavor combination makes it a standout dish, and you can easily adjust it to suit your taste. Plus, with everything cooking in one pan, cleanup is quick and easy. This recipe is a great way to bring fresh, bold flavors to your table without a lot of fuss.

A fork in a plate with dinner on it.
Grilled chicken breasts on a bed of seasoned rice, garnished with cilantro and lemon wedges.

One Pan Cilantro Lime Chicken and Cilantro Rice

You will just need one skillet to make this dinner and it will be ready within 30 minutes. Juicy and tender cilantro lime chicken paired with a soft buttery cilantro rice.
Author: Paula
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
marinate: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Cilantro Rice

  • 1 ยฝ cups (13.22 oz | 375 g) rice uncooked
  • 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • ยฝ cup (0.35oz | 10g) cilantro chopped
  • 3 cups (23.36 fluid oz | 750 ml) chicken broth

Instructions

  • Heat your oven to 350โ„‰
    Ingredients for a dish include raw chicken breasts, bowls of rice, garlic, limes, cilantro, spices, olive oil, broth, butter, honey, salt, and pepper arranged on a countertop.
  • Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Place them on a plate. Combine the other ingredients in a small bowl.
    A clear bowl containing a mixed herb and spice marinade with a spoon, placed on a light countertop. Nearby are two whole limes and a small bunch of cilantro with roots attached.
  • Brush chicken with and marinate for 15 minutes. Heat a non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. Add oil to pan and sear chicken on each side for 6 to 7 minutes. Remove, place in an ovenproof dish and keep warm in the oven.
    A white bowl filled with raw chicken breasts marinating in a seasoned liquid with green herbs on a light grey countertop.
  • Place the same skillet back on the stove and heat on medium heat. Add rice, butter, garlic and cilantro. Stir and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer on medium heat. Decrease the heat to low, cover, and allow to cook for 10-12 minutes (or for the amount of time listed on the rice package) until the rice is cooked and tender.
    Cooked rice with herbs in a black frying pan on a light gray countertop.
  • Uncover and stir with a fork. Turn off the heat. Place chicken on the rice and garnish with lime and cilantro, if desired.
  • Serve immediately. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 366kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 701mg | Potassium: 334mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2434IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are important to you, I recommend calculating them yourself.

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