Fitness / September 4, 2024

Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice

A hearty and refreshing meal that will surely delight in this summer heat

Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice featured image above shot

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Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Or how about I compare myself? Let’s see… overheated, dehydrated, sweaty, sticky – yep, you get the picture. And since autumn is still just too far away, I need something refreshing to aid in my summer struggles. An invigorating meal that will be well-rounded, picturesque and full of color. Hey, I’m allowed to have dreams okay? And great news, this doesn’t have to be just a dream! Why settle for simple chicken and rice, when you could enjoy a vibrant and zesty plate of cilantro lime chicken and rice. Mmmm, I can already taste it.

Cilantro lime chicken and rice is one of THE meals of the season, with a Mexican-inspired flavor profile. Zesty lime meets delightful cilantro meets mango salsa! Oh, how I love mango salsa! I’m feeling refreshed just thinking about it. This meal is simple to make, a powerhouse of flavor, and seriously nourishing for your body. If you’re in a hot and humid climate like me, you will be dancing with the fireflies after this meal, completely unbothered by the weather.

Is Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Healthy?

Not only is cilantro lime chicken and rice absolutely scrumptious, but it is good for your body! With a lean protein like chicken breast, fresh cilantro, zingy lime juice and that basmati rice (which contains fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins), you are going to be feeling quite healthy after this meal. A serving of cilantro lime chicken and rice has a whopping 29g of protein and only 6g of fat, making it a great choice for our friends seeking a protein-heavy meal post-workout.

Gluten-free? Cilantro lime chicken and rice can easily be gluten-free! Just make sure that your chicken stock is gluten-free and you purchase plain basmati rice, as it is naturally gluten-free, too.

Dairy troubles? I hear you. You don’t have to worry however with this recipe, as it is already dairy-free!

Do you have a mango salsa recipe?

Do I have a mango salsa recipe? Me? Of COURSE I do! While optional, I do believe the mango salsa completely elevates this dish. It is so refreshing and delightful incorporated with the flavors of lime, cilantro, garlic, and paprika, so it is a must-try. For a fresh mango salsa recipe that’s easy to make, please click here.

INGREDIENTS

4 chicken breasts
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 limes
2 cloves garlic crushed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups basmati rice uncooked
3 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup cilantro chopped
Mango salsa optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Season the chicken.

Cook

Sauté garlic, add chicken and cook.

Simmer

Bring chicken stock, rice and salt to a boil; simmer, then let steam.

Serve

Stir in cilantro, serve with chicken and salsa.

Devour!

Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice featured image take above

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

After making your cilantro lime rice, let it cool to room temperature before placing in an airtight container. The rice can be kept in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. You could also freeze your rice for up to 3 months, just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and to label it with the current date. As for the chicken, this also needs to come down to room temperature before storing. When using an airtight container, the chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Chicken thighs or breasts?

This recipe calls for chicken breasts as they are hearty and healthy. But if you would like a juicier meat option, or are worried about drying out your chicken breasts, you can easily use chicken thighs instead. Chicken thighs have a higher amount of calories and fat than chicken breasts, however, they tend to be more tender and forgiving when overcooked.

Fluff that rice!

Once your rice is done cooking, it may look a bit flat and/or clumped together. Simply grab a rice spoon (or any spoon you have on hand) and give your rice a good fluffing! To fluff your rice, use your spoon to scoop rice from the bottom of the pan and turn it over, gently mixing.

Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice featured image center shot

Serving Suggestions

Cilantro lime chicken and rice on its own is a hearty meal that will satisfy your body and soul. But if you like to have a lot of options on your dinner table, then perhaps try a bowl of cherry tomatoes, a side of delicious black beans (see Cuban Black Beans for instance), Homemade Tortilla Chips for dipping, and a nice guacamole for additional healthy fats.

Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings

Calories 311kcal

Author Anna Allee

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon sea salt flakes
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 limes
2 cloves garlic crushed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups basmati rice uncooked
3 cups chicken stock
½ cup cilantro chopped
Mango salsa optional

Instructions

Sprinkle the paprika, coriander, sea salt, and black pepper over the chicken breasts. Then squeeze half a lime over and rub it all together.
In a skillet over medium heat drizzle in the olive oil and pop in the crushed garlic, then add the chicken breasts and cook them on each side for 5 – 7 minutes. Then set them on a plate and let them rest for 3 minutes.
Add the chicken stock into the pan that you cooked the chicken in and stir it. Then add in the rice and a pinch of salt. Cover with a lid, bring the pot to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes. Once the water has cooked away turn it off and let it steam for 10 minutes.
Once the rice has steamed, mix the chopped cilantro into the rice and serve in a bowl with the sliced chicken on top and a serving of salsa.