Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Skillet

Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Skillet is a vibrant, one-pan wonder that’s bursting with fresh flavors and hearty ingredients. Combining tender chicken breast, fragrant lime, and fresh cilantro with wholesome rice, beans, and veggies, this dish is the perfect weeknight meal that feels a little like a fiesta on your plate. The best part? It all comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and the cooking process straightforward. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is an absolute winner.

Why It’s My Go-To

This Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Skillet has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. The skillet method means everything cooks together, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while saving precious time. Plus, it’s a balanced meal with protein, grains, and vegetables all in one dish. The fresh zing from lime juice and the herbal brightness of cilantro elevate it beyond ordinary chicken and rice. It’s also very versatile, perfect for customizing with whatever veggies you have on hand. And if you love meals that taste like they took hours but only require about 30 minutes of hands-on cooking, this one’s for you!

What’s in the Bowl

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced – Tender, lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the spices.
• 1 cup long-grain rice – The base that absorbs all the delicious broth and flavors.
• 2 cups chicken broth – Adds moisture and depth to the rice and chicken.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Builds a savory foundation with sweetness when sautéed.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For aromatic punch and rich flavor.
• 1 bell pepper, diced – Adds color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness.
• 1 cup corn kernels – Frozen or fresh, they add a pop of natural sweetness and texture.
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed – Boosts fiber and protein, making the dish more filling.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped – Brightens the dish with herbal freshness.
• Juice of 2 limes – Gives a zesty, tangy lift that wakes up all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon cumin – Earthy and warm, essential to that southwestern vibe.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – Adds mild heat and complexity.
• Salt and pepper to taste – To balance and enhance all the ingredients.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing and infusing richness.

What You’ll Need (Gear)

• Large skillet or sauté pan – A 10 to 12-inch skillet works perfectly to cook everything evenly.
• Sharp chef’s knife – For dicing chicken and chopping vegetables with ease.
• Cutting board – To prep your ingredients safely.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise seasoning and rice measurement.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir the ingredients without scratching your pan.

Make Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Skillet: A Simple Method

Step 1: Prep and Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for the last minute to avoid burning.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth

Sprinkle the rice evenly over the cooked chicken and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the rice is submerged. Stir gently to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer and Add Beans and Corn

Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the lid gently and stir in the black beans and corn kernels. Cover again and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Finish with Lime and Cilantro

Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Dietary Swaps & Alternatives

• Swap chicken breast for thigh meat if you prefer juicier, more flavorful chicken.
• Use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice for added fiber; just increase the cooking time and broth accordingly.
• Replace black beans with pinto beans or chickpeas to switch up the texture and flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken altogether or add extra beans and veggies.
• Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like your dish spicier.

What I Learned Testing

• Cooking rice directly in the skillet with chicken broth ensures the grains soak up all the savory flavors, making every bite deliciously cohesive.
• Adding the black beans and corn partway through cooking prevents them from becoming mushy, preserving their texture and color.
• Fresh lime juice added at the end brightens the dish incredibly, so don’t skip it or substitute with bottled lime juice.
• Using diced chicken breast cooks quickly and evenly, but keeping the pieces uniform helps prevent overcooking some bits.

Best Ways to Store

This Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Skillet stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating. The lime and cilantro are best added fresh after reheating to maintain their bright flavor.

Your Top Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Brown rice works well, but because it takes longer to cook, you’ll need to increase the cooking time and add a bit more broth to ensure it cooks fully through. Plan on simmering for about 40-45 minutes instead of 20-25 minutes.

What can I substitute for black beans?

Pinto beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas are great alternatives. Just be sure to rinse and drain canned beans thoroughly before adding. These swaps will slightly alter the texture and flavor but keep the dish hearty and balanced.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! This skillet meal freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add a little fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime after reheating to revive the bright flavors.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by sautéing the onion, pepper, garlic, and chicken first using the sauté function, then adding rice, broth, and spices. Cook on high pressure for about 8 minutes and allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Add beans and corn afterward and use the sauté function to warm through.

Healthy-ish Favorites

• Chicken And Rice Soup – A comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings.
• Fajita Chicken Kabobs – Flavorful grilled chicken skewers with fresh veggies and spices.

In Closing

This Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Skillet is the ultimate weeknight meal that never disappoints. It’s packed with vibrant, fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients, all cooked together in one pan for maximum ease and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal prep solution, this recipe has you covered. The bright lime and cilantro give it an irresistible flair that elevates simple chicken and rice into something special. Give it a try, and I promise it will become your new go-to dinner favorite!

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