If you’re searching for a deliciously easy weeknight dinner that still delivers restaurant-quality flavor, this Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe deserves a spot on your table. Tender, perfectly seasoned chicken simmers in a rich, tangy sauce loaded with bright cilantro and fresh lime—soaked right into fluffy rice for a comforting one-pan meal. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or just craving a cozy dinner, this dish brings everyone running to the kitchen with its irresistible aroma and satisfying, creamy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe leans on simple, real-food ingredients that work together seamlessly. Each component is chosen for flavor, texture, color, and a little touch of flair—you’ll love how everything comes together in one skillet!
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Juicy, boneless chicken forms a hearty base; thighs add extra flavor, while breasts offer a leaner option.
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon gives the chicken a gorgeous golden sear and a hint of richness.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthy, warm undertones that pair beautifully with the lime and cilantro.
- Chili powder: Lends depth and a subtle kick without overwhelming the dish.
- Garlic powder: Boosts savory flavor throughout the chicken and rice.
- Onion powder: Offers mild sweetness and complexity to the seasoning blend.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing every bite.
- Long-grain white rice: Turns creamy and tender, soaking up all the zesty sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Infuses the rice with extra savory depth without extra saltiness.
- Heavy cream: Creates the silky, luxurious sauce that makes this recipe a true comfort dish.
- Lime zest: The fragrant outer peel gives a burst of citrusy aroma in every mouthful.
- Lime juice: Brings brightness and tang, lifting the creamy sauce so it’s not too heavy.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped and stirred in, cilantro gives freshness and color with every forkful.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the butter and rice with mouthwatering aroma and bite.
- Finely diced onion: Sautéed until soft, onion melts into the sauce, adding subtle sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Sautéing in butter adds rich, comforting notes and helps toast the rice perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken dry, then generously sprinkle both sides with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Massaging the spices in ensures maximum flavor, and if you have a little extra time, go ahead and let the chicken marinate while you prep the other ingredients—this step really makes each bite pop!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in your largest skillet set over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the hot pan and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once they reach that perfect, tempting color, transfer them to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics & Toast the Rice
In the same skillet (no need to wash—those browned bits add amazing flavor), melt the butter. Toss in your finely diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and soft. Add the rice and stir for a minute to let it toast lightly in the butter and aromatics; this boosts the finished dish’s flavor and makes every grain special.
Step 4: Simmer the Rice
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the rice simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the grains are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 5: Add the Creamy Sauce and Fresh Ingredients
Once the rice is ready, stir in the heavy cream, lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. The cream makes the sauce lush while the lime and cilantro add irresistible brightness. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it right into that creamy bed of rice.
Step 6: Finish Cooking and Serve
Allow everything to gently simmer together for another 5 minutes. This step lets the chicken soak up the creamy, tangy sauce while infusing the rice with even more depth. Serve warm, making sure to spoon plenty of sauce over each portion of chicken and rice.
How to Serve Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Add extra flair to your Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe with fresh touches right before serving—think scattered cilantro leaves, a lime wedge on each plate, or a few thin slices of avocado. These garnishes make every plate look bright, inviting, and packed with personality.
Side Dishes
Although this dish can stand proudly on its own, Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with quick sides like a green salad, roasted veggies, or simple black beans. A scoop of tangy salsa or a dollop of sour cream on the side is also a tasty way to round out your Mexican-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Invite guests to build their own bowls, or serve everything family-style, garnished with extra herbs and lime. You can also spoon the chicken and creamy rice into tortillas or lettuce cups for a fun handheld twist. Little touches like these turn a meal into an experience and keep things fresh every time you cook.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers quickly, then store the chicken and rice together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, and the flavors only get better by the next day as everything melds together.
Freezing
To freeze Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe, portion out the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results; the creamy sauce may separate a bit, but a gentle stir when reheating will help bring it back together.
Reheating
For best results, reheat over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if necessary to restore the creamy texture. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between each burst to ensure everything is evenly warmed and silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?
Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts work beautifully in this Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe. Thighs tend to be a bit juicier and more forgiving, but breasts make for a lighter meal—just be careful not to overcook them so they stay juicy.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for canned coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The flavor will shift ever so slightly, but you’ll still get that luxurious, creamy texture everyone loves.
Can I prep any parts of the recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can season and even marinate your chicken in advance, chop onions and cilantro, and juice the limes. When it’s time to cook, everything comes together quickly—making it a perfect meal for busy evenings.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Craving extra heat? Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeño along with the garlic and onion. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side, letting everyone choose their own level of spiciness.
Does this recipe work with other grains besides white rice?
Certainly! You can experiment with brown rice (just increase the broth and simmering time), or try it with quinoa for a protein boost. The creamy cilantro lime flavors shine with almost any grain as the base.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around the table to enjoy this Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe—every bite is tangy, rich, and bursting with freshness. Give it a try and let it become a go-to comfort food that brings smiles (and empty plates) every single time!
Print
Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with fragrant cilantro, zesty lime, and creamy sauce served over fluffy rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onion and garlic. Stir in the rice and toast for 1 minute. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in heavy cream, lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes. Serve warm, spooning sauce over chicken and rice.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- This dish pairs well with avocado slices or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
