Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice with Beans Ready in 30 Minutes

Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Chicken And Rice

This cilantro lime chicken and rice dish is a go-to for anyone wanting a meal that’s full of flavor without taking forever to make. It’s incredibly simple and quick, perfect for busy days when you need something nutritious on the table fast. Not only does it pack in healthy ingredients like fresh cilantro and lime, but it also delivers a satisfying taste that keeps everyone coming back for more.

One big plus is how easy it is to prepare. With straightforward steps, even if you’re new to cooking, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes. It’s loaded with fresh nutrients that make it a smart choice for a balanced diet, helping you feel energized throughout the day.

Plus, this recipe is super flexible for different needs. You can tweak it to fit gluten-free or low-calorie preferences, making it a hit for families with varied tastes. The zesty blend of cilantro and lime gives it a fresh twist that stands out from plain old chicken and rice.

Essential Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Chicken And Rice

To make this tasty cilantro lime chicken and rice, you’ll need a mix of fresh items that bring out the best flavors. Let’s break down the ingredients into clear groups so it’s easy to shop and cook. This ensures you have everything on hand for a smooth recipe experience.

• Main Ingredients:
• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Cilantro Lime Marinade Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (from 4-5 limes)
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Cilantro Lime Rice:
• 1 1/2 cups cooked basmati long grain rice
• 1 15-ounce can black beans
• 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice (from about 2 limes)
• 1/3 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Garnish:
• Fresh cilantro (quantity as desired)
• Lime slices (quantity as desired)

These ingredients make for a complete meal serving 4 people in just 40 minutes. For more ideas on fresh meals, check out our simple guacamole chicken recipe on the blog.

How to Prepare the Perfect Cilantro Lime Chicken And Rice: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with cilantro lime chicken and rice is fun and straightforward. Begin by gathering your ingredients to keep things organized in the kitchen. This helps you move quickly and enjoy the process without stress.

First, prepare all ingredients by chopping cilantro, mincing garlic, and juicing the limes to ensure smooth workflow. Second, rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch, then drain. Third, in a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Fourth, season chicken breasts with cumin, salt, and pepper. Add to skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Fifth, remove chicken and set aside; in the same skillet, add rinsed rice and stir to coat in residual oil and flavors. Sixth, pour in 1 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

Seventh, fluff rice with a fork, stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice for freshness. This recipe can be adapted by swapping chicken with tofu or chickpeas for vegan preferences and using cauliflower rice for low-calorie options. Remember, this dish serves as a flavorful balance that fits right into your routine.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cilantro Lime Chicken And Rice

Making cilantro lime chicken and rice work for your needs is simple with a few swaps. These changes keep the dish delicious while fitting different diets. Let’s look at some easy options to try out.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein option suitable for vegans. Use shrimp or fish fillets as an alternative protein for seafood lovers. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas provide a hearty texture and protein boost.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications: Swap cilantro with fresh parsley or basil for a different herbaceous note. Use lemon juice instead of lime juice to alter citrus flavor. Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra crunch and sweetness. Substitute cumin with smoked paprika or chili powder to give a smoky or spicy touch. For a gluten-free sauce option, use tamari instead of soy sauce if a savory sauce is desired.

These alternatives maintain the essence of cilantro lime chicken and rice while accommodating various dietary needs and seasonal ingredient availability. This way, you can enjoy the meal no matter what you have on hand.

Mastering Cilantro Lime Chicken And Rice: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your cilantro lime chicken and rice to the next level is all about little tweaks. These tips can make the dish even better and more personalized. Let’s dive into some ways to improve it step by step.

Pro Cooking Techniques

To achieve perfectly juicy chicken, marinate the breast in lime juice and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety and optimal tenderness.

Flavor Variations

Experiment by adding a dash of chili flakes or incorporating fresh jalapeños for heat. Alternatively, infuse coconut milk into the rice for a creamy texture and subtle sweetness.

Presentation Tips

Serve the dish in vibrant bowls or plates and top with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for an appealing look. Consider garnishing with toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced avocado for added texture and color.

Make-Ahead Options

Prepare the rice and marinade chicken in advance, storing separately in airtight containers. Cook the chicken and rice on the day of serving to retain freshness or reheat gently to preserve moisture.

These tips enhance the classic cilantro lime chicken and rice recipe, offering delicious, personalized variations suitable for diverse palates. For more on healthy eating, check out health benefits of cilantro.

How to Store Cilantro Lime Chicken And Rice: Best Practices

Keeping your cilantro lime chicken and rice fresh is key to enjoying leftovers. Follow these simple steps to store it properly and keep the flavors intact. This helps make meal prep easier for your busy schedule.

Refrigeration: Place cooled cilantro lime chicken and rice in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness. Freezing: For long-term storage, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Cover the dish during reheating to retain moisture and flavor. Meal prep considerations: When batch cooking, keep chicken and rice separate until ready to serve for best texture. Include fresh lime juice and cilantro garnish after reheating to preserve their vibrancy.

Following these storage guidelines ensures your cilantro lime chicken and rice remains delicious and safe to enjoy throughout the week. It’s a great way to plan ahead without losing that fresh taste.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cilantro Lime Chicken And Rice

Cilantro Lime Chicken And Rice

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🍗 This Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice with Beans recipe offers a vibrant, balanced meal rich in fresh flavors and hearty ingredients.
🌿 Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, nutritious dinner fast.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

– 4 bone-in chicken thighs

– 1 tablespoon cooking oil

– 1/4 cup olive oil

– 1/3 cup fresh squeezed lime juice from 4-5 limes

– 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

– 6 garlic cloves, minced

– 2 teaspoons paprika

– 2 teaspoons chili powder

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– 1 teaspoon red chili flakes

– 1 teaspoon lime zest

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 1/2 cups cooked basmati long grain rice

– 1 15-ounce can black beans

– 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice from about 2 limes

– 1/3 cup cilantro, roughly chopped

– 1 teaspoon sea salt

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– Fresh cilantro

– Lime slices

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Instructions

1-First, prepare all ingredients by chopping cilantro, mincing garlic, and juicing the limes to ensure smooth workflow.

2-Second, rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch, then drain.

3-Third, in a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4-Fourth, season chicken breasts with cumin, salt, and pepper. Add to skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

5-Fifth, remove chicken and set aside; in the same skillet, add rinsed rice and stir to coat in residual oil and flavors.

6-Sixth, pour in 1 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

7-Seventh, fluff rice with a fork, stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice for freshness. This recipe can be adapted by swapping chicken with tofu or chickpeas for vegan preferences and using cauliflower rice for low-calorie options. Remember, this dish serves as a flavorful balance that fits right into your routine.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍽️ Marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes to let flavors develop.
🌶️ Adjust red chili flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
🍚 Use freshly cooked rice for best texture and flavor in the rice and beans mixture.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Marinating and Pan-Searing
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving