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One-Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice

One-Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice for a Quick Family Feast

This One-Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice is a quick and flavorful dinner solution for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marination Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 2 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Thighs can be used for a juicier option.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Substitute with parsley if desired.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Vegetable oil works as a suitable alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice Lemon juice can be a good substitute if needed.
  • 4 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh is best, but jarred garlic can also work.
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Zest Omit if you have lime allergies.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to your taste preferences.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Coriander can be used if preferred.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
For the Rice and Vegetables
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow or white onions are recommended.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Feel free to use any bell pepper type.
  • 1 cup Long-Grain Rice Avoid substitutions that could alter cooking times.
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Swap with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
  • 1 can Petite-Diced Canned Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes are an excellent alternative.
  • 1 cup Diced Green Chiles Omit for a milder dish.
  • 1 can Black Beans Pinto beans can be used as a swap.
For Serving
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese Cheddar works well for a sharper flavor.

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine chopped cilantro, olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, lime zest, salt, pepper, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly with a whisk until well blended.
  2. Coat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with the marinade, ensuring every piece is well covered. Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil if necessary, followed by chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the long-grain rice, ensuring it's well mixed with the sautéed vegetables. Then add chicken broth, petite-diced canned tomatoes, diced green chiles, additional cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
  6. After the rice is cooked, dice the reserved chicken and add it back into the skillet along with drained black beans and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir everything together and cover.
  7. Once everything is heated and combined, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your dish with additional chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.

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