If you’re craving a one-pot meal that’s bold, vibrant, and ready in under an hour, this Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice is the perfect choice. It combines tender chicken breasts, fragrant rice, citrusy lime, and a creamy, spicy sauce that brings everything together. The flavors are bright, comforting, and well-balanced, making this dish ideal for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Why This Recipe Is So Popular
This dish delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. The chicken sears beautifully, locking in its juices before finishing in the oven. The rice simmers in a rich blend of stock, lime juice, wine, and spices, soaking up every bit of flavor. The spicy cream sauce adds richness without overpowering the citrus notes. Everything cooks in one pan, which saves time and creates easy cleanup.
A Perfect Blend of Fresh and Bold Ingredients
The combination of lime, cilantro, garlic, and sriracha gives this meal irresistible brightness and depth. The rice becomes tender while absorbing the savory broth, butter, and paprika. Sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime add freshness at the end. With every bite, you taste a harmony of citrus, spice, and creamy textures.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
Start by searing the chicken breasts to create a flavorful crust. Remove the chicken and build your sauce with butter, flour, stock, onions, wine, and aromatics. Once the rice and seasonings are added, the mixture becomes thick, creamy, and full of flavor. The chicken finishes cooking in the oven while the rice becomes fluffy. In a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, all-in-one meal.
Tips for the Best Results
Use an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish for a seamless stovetop-to-oven transition. Don’t skip searing the chicken—it adds both texture and flavor. Stir the rice thoroughly before covering to prevent sticking. For extra richness, add a little more cream at the end. If you prefer more heat, increase the sriracha. Serve promptly for the best texture.
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Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice: A Flavor-Packed One-Pot Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A bright and flavorful one-pot cilantro lime chicken and rice dish with juicy chicken, tender rice, and a spicy, creamy lime sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
4 thin sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
1 cup chopped onion (1/2 medium onion)
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
3 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
1 tsp salt
3/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
3 tbsp heavy cream
1 tbsp sriracha
Garnish:
1 avocado
1 fresh lime
extra cilantro
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Prepare all other ingredients.
3. Heat an oven-safe casserole dish over medium-high heat.
4. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
5. Sear the chicken breasts in batches on both sides. Do not overcrowd.
6. Transfer the browned chicken to a clean plate.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low.
8. Add butter and melt while whisking.
9. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes.
10. Slowly whisk in chicken stock.
11. Add onions and cook 2–3 minutes.
12. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
13. Add lime juice and wine. Bring to a boil.
14. Add rice, salt, pepper, paprika, cilantro, sriracha, and heavy cream. Stir well.
15. Place chicken on top of the rice mixture.
16. Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
17. Remove from the oven and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
18. Slice avocado and lime, chop extra cilantro.
19. Serve with avocado, cilantro, and lime juice to taste.
Notes
Best served immediately for ideal texture.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Nutrition values vary based on ingredient brands.
Use more sriracha for extra heat.
For a richer sauce, add extra cream after baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven, One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 638
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 985
- Fat: 33
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 19
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 44
- Cholesterol: 140
Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, one pot chicken, chicken and rice, creamy chicken recipe