A zesty, flavorful cilantro lime chicken and rice recipe made in one skillet. Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy avocado-cilantro sauce make this dish perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s light, refreshing, and satisfying, you can’t go wrong with cilantro lime chicken and rice. It’s one of those recipes that feels comforting yet bright at the same time. The tangy lime juice, fragrant cilantro, and tender chicken come together with fluffy rice in a way that makes you want to go back for seconds… maybe even thirds.
What I love about this dish is how it balances so many flavors. You’ve got the creaminess of the avocado sauce, the zest of lime, and that fresh herb kick from cilantro. Plus, it’s all cooked in a single skillet, which makes cleanup a breeze.
At my house, this meal never lasts long. My kids dig in before I’ve even set the avocado-cilantro sauce on the table. And honestly, that’s the best sign of a winning recipe, don’t you think? If you enjoy bright, citrusy flavors, you might also love my chicken lemon rice soup for a cozy, comforting option.
Table of contents
Main Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
The heart of cilantro lime chicken and rice lies in a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating layers of flavor that blend beautifully together.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, pounded to half an inch thick so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the chicken develop a golden sear.
- White Rice: The base of the dish. It soaks up the lime juice and broth for maximum flavor.
- Garlic: Just two teaspoons of minced garlic bring warmth and depth.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the rice tender while infusing savory notes.
- Fresh Cilantro: Roughly chopped cilantro leaves add freshness and color.
- Limes: The juice of three limes makes the flavors pop with citrus brightness.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances everything else.
And then, of course, the avocado-cilantro sauce that gets drizzled over the top. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly garlicky. Think of it as the finishing touch that pulls the whole dish together. If you’re looking for a heartier baked version, try my lemon herb chicken rice bake.
Additional Ingredients and Substitutions
Sometimes, you may not have every single ingredient on hand. That’s okay. Cooking is all about flexibility.
- Rice Alternatives: Try brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you want something lighter.
- Citrus Swap: No limes? Use lemons. The flavor changes slightly, but it still works beautifully.
- Dairy-Free Sauce: Replace milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Chicken Substitute: Boneless chicken thighs are juicier and add even more flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, corn, or black beans for more texture and nutrition.
The beauty of cilantro lime chicken and rice is that it’s forgiving. You can swap things around and still end up with a dish that tastes fresh, hearty, and delicious.
Expert Tips for Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
If you want to take your cilantro lime chicken and rice from good to absolutely mouthwatering, here are a few insider tricks I’ve picked up over the years.
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: Thinner chicken breasts cook faster and more evenly. This prevents those dreaded dry spots.
- Toast the Rice First: Before adding broth, let the rice sizzle in the butter and garlic. That little step adds a nutty flavor that makes a huge difference.
- Use Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice just doesn’t have the same zing. Squeeze fresh limes for the best flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for a few minutes. This helps it finish steaming and fluff up perfectly.
- Blend the Sauce Smoothly: Use a blender or food processor to get a creamy, drizzle-worthy consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and lime wedges at the end makes the dish look and taste even fresher.
- Make It Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to give it a kick.
- Cook Ahead Friendly: You can sear the chicken earlier in the day, then finish the rice later when you’re ready for dinner.
- Keep It One-Pan: Resist the temptation to use extra pans. Cooking everything in one skillet means the flavors mingle together perfectly.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t be shy about adjusting salt, lime, or cilantro amounts. Everyone’s taste buds are a little different. If you enjoy bold spice blends, you’ll probably love the flavors in my za’atar chicken and rice.
Following these small steps turns a simple dish into something your family will beg you to make again and again.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking cilantro lime chicken and rice is easier than you might think. Just follow these steps and you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a large skillet and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the rice and toast it lightly. Add chicken broth, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover and cook until rice is tender and fluffy.
- Add the Cilantro: Stir chopped cilantro into the rice once it’s cooked. The freshness really brightens the dish.
- Make the Sauce: Blend avocado, lime juice, milk, cilantro, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust with extra milk if needed.
- Assemble the Dish: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it on top of the rice. Drizzle with the avocado-cilantro sauce and garnish with extra lime wedges.
Dinner’s served!
Additional Guide and Variations
There are so many fun ways to play around with cilantro lime chicken and rice. Here are a few ideas you might enjoy.
- Mexican-Inspired Twist: Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Meal Prep Ready: Make a big batch and divide into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Grilled Version: Instead of searing, grill the chicken breasts for a smoky flavor.
- Coconut Creamy Rice: Replace part of the chicken broth with coconut milk for a tropical variation.
- Kid-Friendly Style: Leave the sauce on the side so kids can dip chicken in it like a fun “green ranch.”
If you’re craving something creamy and cheesy, my cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is a reader favorite. Each variation brings a new layer of personality to the dish, but the core flavors of lime, cilantro, and chicken always shine through.
FAQs about Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
White rice is classic because it cooks quickly and soaks up flavor. Brown rice also works, but it takes longer to cook. Just like in chicken dum biryani, the type of rice you use really impacts the final dish.
Absolutely. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken broth if you’re sensitive.
Yes, but freeze the chicken and rice separately. The avocado sauce is best made fresh since it doesn’t freeze well.
Conclusion
There you have it, an easy, flavorful, and family-approved recipe for cilantro lime chicken and rice. It’s the kind of dish that feels special without being complicated, which makes it perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or even when guests come over.
Every bite brings that perfect balance of juicy chicken, tangy lime, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado sauce. It’s comfort food with a fresh twist, and I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
So, grab those limes, pick some fresh cilantro, and let’s make something truly delicious tonight. Trust me, your taste buds (and your family) will thank you. And if you’d like to keep exploring more family-friendly dinners, my chicken broccoli rice casserole is another classic you can add to your weeknight rotation.
Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Blender or Food Processor
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to ½ inch thickness
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup cilantro leaves loosely packed, roughly chopped
- 3 limes juiced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Avocado Sauce
- 1 avocado
- 1 lime juiced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 handful cilantro
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and rice. Stir until rice is lightly toasted and fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Cover and let simmer on low heat until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the avocado sauce by blending avocado, lime juice, milk, cilantro, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
- Drizzle avocado sauce over the chicken and rice before serving. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime slices if desired.