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Honey-Lime Cilantro Chicken & Rice Bowls

Honey-Lime Cilantro Chicken & Rice Bowls for Fresh Flavor Bliss

Discover the delight of Honey-Lime Cilantro Chicken & Rice Bowls, a refreshing meal loaded with flavor and nutrition.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Marination Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 58 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 lb Boneless Chicken Thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts or tofu.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Avocado oil can be replaced.
  • 1 tbsp Paprika Use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust according to taste.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Fresh onion can be used for bolder flavor.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used.
  • 1 tsp Cumin Use coriander as a substitute if desired.
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Flakes Adjust based on spice tolerance.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (grated) Garlic powder can substitute in a pinch.
  • 2 tbsp Honey Maple syrup or agave nectar are vegan substitutes.
  • 1 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper Freshly ground is best.
  • 2 Limes (juiced & zested) Can substitute with lemons.
For the Rice Base
  • 1 cup Cooked White Rice Brown rice or quinoa can be used.
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian option.
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup Pickled Onions Use red onions for preparing at home.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped) Parsley can replace if not a fan.
  • 1 cup Mini Cucumbers (sliced) Bell peppers or radishes can be used.
  • 1 avocado Ripe Avocados (sliced) Can omit if desired.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Honey-Lime Dressing Adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • medium saucepan
  • Large Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, red chili flakes, grated garlic, honey, freshly cracked black pepper, lime juice, and zest until well combined. Add the boneless chicken thighs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  2. Rinse 1 cup of white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of chicken broth, bringing it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is fluffy. Let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  3. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated chicken and let it come to room temperature. Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through; brush with marinade while grilling.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of honey, salt to taste, a pinch of red chili flakes, freshly cracked black pepper, 1 grated garlic clove, and the juice and zest of 1 lime. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro for a fresh touch; set aside.
  5. Assemble your bowls starting with a base of fluffy rice, then top with sliced grilled chicken, mini cucumbers, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and pickled onions. Drizzle generously with the dressing before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken longer than 30 minutes. Rinse rice for fluffiness. Slice avocados just before serving to keep fresh.

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