cilantro lime chicken bowl (Print)
Juicy chicken, fresh cilantro lime rice, and a medley of bright toppings create a wholesome, tasty bowl.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken Marinade
01 - 1.3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
03 - Juice and zest of 2 limes
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Cilantro Lime Rice
11 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
12 - 2 cups water
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - Juice and zest of 1 lime
16 - 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Bowl Toppings
17 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
18 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
19 - 1 cup corn kernels
20 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
21 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
22 - Lime wedges, for serving
23 - Additional fresh cilantro, for garnish
# How to Cook:
01 - Combine olive oil, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Add chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
02 - Rinse white rice under cold running water. In a saucepan, mix rice, water, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff rice with a fork and gently incorporate lime juice, zest, and chopped cilantro.
03 - Preheat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Rest cooked chicken for 5 minutes prior to slicing.
04 - Divide cilantro lime rice evenly among four serving bowls. Arrange sliced chicken, black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, avocado slices, and red onion atop the rice in each bowl.
05 - Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately while warm.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
- Uses fresh and vibrant ingredients for big flavor
- Quick marination and simple steps make it easy for any night
- Naturally gluten free and family friendly
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
02 -
- High in protein and balanced with good fats
- Naturally gluten free and easy to adapt for dairy free diets
- Preps well in advance for meal prep or entertaining
03 -
- Always zest and juice limes before chopping other ingredients This keeps possible bitterness away and maximizes flavor
- Let the chicken rest before slicing it will be juicier and easier to cut
- To get perfect rice do not lift the lid while cooking Steam is key for fluffiness
- Avoid overcrowding the pan so chicken gets a golden crust I learned the hard way if the pan is too full the chicken steams instead of searing