One Pan Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice – Easy, Flavorful Meal
Zesty One-Pan Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice Revival
Indulge in a flavorful fusion of perfectly seared chicken and aromatic, fluffy cilantro lime rice made in one pan. This easy-to-follow recipe features a vibrant blend of spices and fresh lime zest, ensuring every bite bursts with zesty satisfaction!
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Coat the chicken with the spice blend. For best flavor, refrigerate the chicken for 30 minutes to marinate if time allows.
- Heat unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs in batches, ensuring each piece gets a beautifully deep golden crust (approximately 4-5 minutes per side). Transfer the browned chicken to a plate.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened—about 3 to 5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic until fragrant, roughly 1 minute.
- Toss in the rice along with lime zest and allow it to toast lightly for 1-2 minutes. This extra step deepens the nutty flavor of the rice.
- Pour in the chicken stock while scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Nestle the seared chicken evenly among the rice.
- Bring the mixture to a lively boil, then cover and reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook until the rice is perfectly tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 15-20 minutes. Let the dish sit, covered, for an extra 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken momentarily. Stir in the chopped cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice into the rice. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Return the chicken to the pot (or serve it on top) and garnish with your choice of toppings. Enjoy this satisfying, one-pan wonder immediately.
Perfectly seared chicken with irresistibly fluffy cilantro lime rice, all made in one pan. YES!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Marvel
- Effortless One-Pan Meal: Toss everything into a single heavy pot—minimizing clean-up and maximizing flavor.
- Family & Crowd Favorite: With its customizable toppings and forgiving nature, enjoy a weeknight dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters.
- Bold, Zesty Flavors: The synergy of seared chicken, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and vibrant cilantro transforms simple rice into a flavor-packed delight.
- Meal Prep & Freezer Friendly: Prepare ahead and freeze in portions for those busy nights when time is short.
How to Create the Zesty Revival
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken evenly and, if you have extra time, let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Sear to Perfection: In a preheated Dutch oven over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Sear the chicken in batches until each side is a blissful golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per side), then set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion and let it soften for 3-5 minutes; then, stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Toast the Rice: Add your rice and lime zest to the pot, stirring until the rice is lightly toasted—this heightens its natural nuttiness.
- Add Liquids & Chicken: Stir in your quality chicken stock while scraping up the flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Arrange the chicken evenly on top.
- Simmer to Finish: Bring the pot to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes off the heat.
- Infuse Fresh Flavors: Remove the chicken briefly, then mix in the fresh cilantro and lime juice with the rice. Gently fluff with a fork to keep the grains intact.
- Plate & Enjoy: Return the chicken to the pot or serve it atop the rice. Adorn with your favorite toppings—such as shredded cheese, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream—and dig in!
Special Tips for Ultimate Success
- Choose a Heavy Pot: A sturdy Dutch oven ensures even heat distribution and a superior sear.
- Work in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a crisp exterior on your chicken.
- Rinse & Toast Your Rice: Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer to remove excess starch and lightly toast it to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Quality Stock Matters: Use a low-sodium or homemade chicken stock for a richer taste without too much salt.
- Fresh is Best: Always opt for freshly squeezed lime juice for that bright, zesty punch.
- Gentle Fluffing: Use a fork to lightly fluff the rice without breaking the grains, ensuring a light texture.
Pair It With These Crowd-Pleasing Sides
Tools for This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes – chicken breasts work fine but for a juicier, more flavorful result, try using chicken thighs. If you choose breasts, pounding them thin or slicing them into cutlets ensures even cooking.
What toppings can I add?
Add shredded cheese, tortilla chips, avocado slices, salsa, cilantro, or a spoonful of sour cream for an extra burst of flavor.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Absolutely – once completely cooled, portion out the chicken and rice (preferably separately) into freezer-safe bags. Freeze flat; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven at 350°F.
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