Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls are a tasty treat filled with bright flavors. Juicy chicken, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro come together for a colorful meal that’s also super easy to make!
I love how you can mix and match toppings like avocado and veggies to make it your own. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep—just whip up a batch and enjoy all week long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their lean texture. If you prefer something different, try chicken thighs for more flavor, or use shrimp for a seafood twist!
Spices: Chili powder and cumin give warmth to the dish. If you want less heat, reduce the chili powder or swap it for smoked paprika. Don’t have cumin? Try coriander for a different yet aromatic flavor.
Rice: I love using white rice for its fluffy texture, but cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option. Finished your rice? Quinoa or even bulgur could also work beautifully!
Cilantro: This herb is key for the fresh flavor in both the rice and sauce. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be a good substitute, but you might lose that signature taste.
Greek Yogurt: I always opt for Greek yogurt for creaminess in the sauce. If you’re looking for dairy-free, use coconut yogurt or cashew cream instead. Just check the flavor balance!
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken to juicy perfection can be tricky, but follow these steps for a great result:
- Start with dry chicken breasts. Pat them with paper towels before seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet until it shimmers, then add the chicken.
- Cook without flipping for 5-7 minutes until one side is golden brown. Then flip and repeat.
- Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Let it rest before slicing to keep juices in!
How Do I Make Fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice?
Making perfect rice can be simple with these tips:
- Rinse the rice! This removes excess starch and helps it cook evenly.
- Use broth instead of water for richer flavor. Bring it to a boil, then add the rice.
- Once you’ve covered and reduced the heat, avoid lifting the lid; it steams inside!
When the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork and mix in lime and cilantro right before serving. Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cilantro Lime Rice:
- 1 cup white rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 lime (zested and juiced)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt, to taste
For the Toppings and Sides:
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges
For the Cilantro Lime Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1-2 tsp olive oil or water to thin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and mixing the spices, 15-20 minutes cooking the chicken and rice, and about 5 minutes assembling and serving the bowls. It’s a quick and healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over both chicken breasts. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Once done, remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Cook the Rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lime zest, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt to taste.
3. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If you prefer a thinner sauce, stir in olive oil or water a little bit at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
In each serving bowl, start with a base layer of the cilantro lime rice. Arrange the sliced chicken breasts, mashed avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and corn kernels on top of the rice.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Drizzle the cilantro lime sauce over the chicken and rice. Finish by garnishing with extra chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh and flavorful Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, ensure it’s completely thawed before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker results. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as necessary!
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream is a great alternative. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut yogurt or cashew cream. Just keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the sauce!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and rice in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep your avocado fresh, you might consider adding a bit of lime juice over it before storing. When ready to eat, gently reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile. Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté any fresh veggies in the skillet with the chicken or mix them in with the rice!
