Description
This Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful and comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken thighs with zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick stovetop dinner, this Mexican-inspired dish balances savory spices and creamy textures, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Other Ingredients
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly on both sides of the chicken thighs to ensure full flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Rice: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the white rice and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes to slightly toast the grains and add flavor.
- Simmer the Rice: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until it is tender and the broth is fully absorbed.
- Create the Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro into the cooked rice, mixing well to combine and create a creamy texture.
- Add the Chicken Back: Nestle the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the creamy rice. Simmer uncovered for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to warm everything through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Plate the creamy cilantro lime chicken and rice, optionally garnishing with extra lime wedges and cilantro for added freshness and zest.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess.
- You can use pre-cooked rice to speed up the recipe; just reduce the amount of chicken broth accordingly to avoid excess moisture.
- This dish pairs beautifully with black beans or a simple green salad to round out the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
