Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Bowl with Chicken
This Cilantro Lime Rice Bowl with Chicken is a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Juicy, spiced grilled chicken sits atop a bed of fluffy cilantro lime rice and is finished with customizable toppings like avocado, black beans, corn, and a creamy sauce.Ready in under 45 minutes and packed with flavor, it’s a go-to Tex-Mex inspired bowl for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Cilantro Lime Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice or jasmine
- 1¾ cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1–2 limes to taste
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lime
Optional Toppings:
- ½ cup black beans drained and rinsed
- ½ cup corn fresh, canned, or grilled
- 1 avocado sliced or mashed
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Drizzle of cilantro lime dressing or chipotle mayo
- Extra fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water or broth, olive oil, and salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat. Stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness if needed.
- Rub with olive oil, then season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat, squeeze lime juice over the chicken, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare your toppings: slice the avocado, halve the tomatoes, rinse the beans, etc.
- You can also warm up the corn or toast it in a pan for extra flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the cilantro lime rice between 4 bowls.
- Top with sliced chicken.
- Add your choice of toppings—black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, and more.
- Finish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or drizzle of your favorite sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.