You walk into the kitchen, and the tantalizing aroma of cilantro lime chicken and rice bowl wafts through the air. It’s a symphony of zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and tender chicken that dances around your senses like a salsa party gone right. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to sun-soaked streets where every bite feels like a celebration. For more inspiration, check out this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipe.
Picture this: it’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, you’re hosting friends for a casual get-together, and you want to impress them without losing your sanity in the kitchen. The cilantro lime chicken and rice bowl is your culinary superhero—easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds (or thirds). savory chicken linguine Get ready to savor every moment!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The cilantro lime chicken and rice bowl is not only easy to prepare but also full of vibrant flavors
- You can customize it with your favorite toppings or sides
- Visually appealing with its colorful ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion—be it a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering
- Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day!
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; they devoured it faster than I could say “cilantro.” It became an instant hit and is now our go-to recipe for gatherings.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts based on how many guests you plan to feed. They cook evenly and absorb flavors well.
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Fresh Cilantro: Always opt for bright green leaves; they add a fresh pop of flavor that makes the dish sing.
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Jasmine Rice: Stick with jasmine for its fragrant aroma; it complements the dish beautifully.
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is key here; it brings out the zingy flavor that makes this bowl irresistible. taco stuffed shells.
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Garlic Cloves: Choose firm cloves for robust flavor; minced garlic adds depth to your marinade.
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Olive Oil: A splash helps sear the chicken perfectly while keeping it juicy inside.
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Cumin Powder: This adds warmth and earthiness; it’s essential for that Mexican-inspired flair.
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Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings but crucial for enhancing all the wonderful flavors in the bowl. stuffed pepper soup.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing your chicken breasts under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels for better seasoning adherence. Chop your cilantro finely and set it aside.
Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, cumin powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and let them soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes—trust me; it’s worth the wait!
Cook the Rice: Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot over medium heat, combine rice with double its volume in water or broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover tightly, and simmer until fluffy—about 15-20 minutes.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add some olive oil. Once hot enough (when droplets of water dance), add marinated chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Add Cilantro Goodness: When your chicken is done cooking, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top as you take it off heat. This will elevate both flavor and presentation—you want those vibrant colors popping!
Assemble Your Bowl!: Fluff up your jasmine rice with a fork before layering generous scoops into bowls. Top with sliced chicken breasts and garnish with additional cilantro plus wedges of fresh lime for that extra zing!
Enjoy diving into this delightful meal—you’ll be transported straight to culinary paradise!
This cilantro lime chicken and rice bowl combines simplicity with explosive flavors that will have everyone singing your praises! ultimate taco bowl.
You Must Know
- This flavorful Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Bowl combines zesty lime and fresh cilantro for a quick, satisfying meal
- Perfect for meal prep, it’s easily customizable based on your pantry ingredients
- The vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma will brighten any dinner table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in a cilantro-lime mixture while you prepare the rice. Sear the chicken until golden brown, then finish cooking in the oven for juicy perfection.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor to your bowl.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop until heated through, keeping it moist with a splash of broth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly flavored chicken, ensure it’s fully coated in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes
- Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for the best taste
- Serve with avocado slices to enhance creaminess and nutrition
My friends always rave about this dish whenever I make it for gatherings; they say it’s like a fiesta in a bowl!

FAQ
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to your marinade for an extra kick.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating and cooking thoroughly.
What’s the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it warm with toppings like salsa, cheese, or avocado for added flavor.
Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Bowl
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- Author: Hellen
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 servings 1x
Description
Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Bowl is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the essence of fresh ingredients to your table. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken marinated in zesty lime juice and fragrant cilantro, served over fluffy jasmine rice. Perfect for gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, this bowl is sure to impress with its colorful presentation and delicious taste. Plus, it’s customizable to suit any palate!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook rice: Rinse jasmine rice until water runs clear. Combine rice with double the volume of water or broth in a pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Assemble bowls: Fluff rice with a fork, layer into bowls, top with sliced chicken, additional cilantro, and lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg





