Baked Cilantro Lime Chicken with Rice Easy Meal Prep Recipe
Author:lilie
Total Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Description
Discover Baked Cilantro Lime Chicken with Ricea bright effortless weeknight meal with juicy chicken zesty rice and quick prep for big flavor
Ingredients
Scale
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lime, zest and juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth (or water)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges for serving
Extra cilantro for serving
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Optional: 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make a bright marinade.
Pat the chicken dry and place it in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat. Let it marinate 15–20 minutes if you have time (or proceed right away).
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Sear the chicken 1–2 minutes per side just until the surfaces take on color. This step adds flavor, not dryness, since the chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
Transfer the seared chicken to the oven and bake 15–20 minutes, or until an internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you like a crisper finish, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Meanwhile, rinse the rice until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring the rice and chicken broth to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 15–18 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork; stir in lime zest, cilantro, and the remaining lime juice. If using yogurt, fold it in now for a creamy touch.
Let the chicken rest 5 minutes. Slice or serve whole over a bed of cilantro-lime rice, spooning any pan juices over the top. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a bright, Pinterest-worthy finish.
Notes
Bright, zesty baked cilantro lime chicken with rice that tastes celebratory even on a Tuesday—perfect for a comforting, wholesome weeknight dinner.
