If you have a craving for a dish that bursts with flavor and wraps you in comforting creaminess, the Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe is your new best friend. This vibrant and delicious meal combines tender chicken thighs with fragrant, zesty rice, all elevated by a luscious cilantro lime sauce that’s as fresh as it is rich. Perfect for a family dinner or when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen, this recipe is a celebration of bold, balanced flavors that come together beautifully in one skillet.

Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each adding a unique touch to the Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe. From aromatics that deepen the flavor base to fresh herbs that brighten every bite, every item plays a vital role in crafting this unforgettable dish.

Olive oil: Adds a perfect base for sautéing and brings a smooth richness.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they hold flavor beautifully while remaining moist.
Freshly ground salt and pepper: For seasoning that enhances without overwhelming.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with its signature savory aroma.
White or yellow onion: Offers mild sweetness and depth when blended and sautéed.
Jalapeno: Adds a subtle or bold heat, depending on your preference.
Fresh cilantro: Bursting with bright, citrusy notes essential to the lime-cilantro flavor profile.
Lime juice: Delivers zesty freshness that lifts the entire dish.
Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that ensures the rice cooks tenderly with a savory twist.
Ground cumin: Brings a warm earthiness that complements the fresh herbs nicely.
White basmati rice: Fluffy and fragrant, it soaks up the vibrant sauce perfectly.
Carrots: Sliced thin, they add subtle sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
Red bell pepper: Julienne-cut for a pop of color and crisp texture.
Avocado slices: Creamy garnish that contrasts beautifully with the spicy notes.
Jalapeno slices: Optional for an extra kick on top.
Greek yogurt or sour cream: Mixed with water to make a drizzle that cools and enriches the dish.

How to Make Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Green Sauce

The heart of this recipe lies in a vibrant cilantro lime sauce. Start by adding garlic, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend these ingredients until you have a perfectly smooth sauce that’s packed with bright and savory flavors. Set it aside for the magic to come.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully browned on each side, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This step locks in juiciness and builds a rich base flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken and place it on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Using the same skillet, toss in the sliced carrots and julienned red bell pepper. Sauté for a few minutes until they soften slightly, soaking up any flavorful brown bits left behind by the chicken. This step adds texture and a sweet vegetal note to the dish.

Step 4: Combine Sauce and Rice

Pour the prepared green sauce into the skillet with the veggies and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the basmati rice, making sure each grain is fully coated in the vibrant sauce. Nestle the browned chicken thighs right on top of the rice, gently pressing them into the sauce to infuse every bite with flavor.

Step 5: Cook Until Tender

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the sauce completely and the chicken to cook through tenderly. The gradual cooking melds all the ingredients into a luscious, creamy dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

How to Serve Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe, fresh toppings are key. Scatter a handful of chopped cilantro on top to reinforce that fresh, herbal brightness. Add thin jalapeno slices for added spice if you love heat, and avocado slices to bring a buttery creaminess that balances every bite perfectly. A drizzle of diluted Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a tangy, silky finish that ties it all together.

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider light and crisp sides such as a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. These will complement the creamy, zesty chicken and rice without overpowering it, leaving room for all those vibrant flavors to shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken and rice wrapped in warm tortillas or scooped into crispy lettuce cups for a lighter bite that’s bursting with flavor. You can also layer it in a bowl with extra avocado and dollops of the creamy drizzle for a beautiful, Instagram-worthy presentation that’s as satisfying to the eyes as to the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe cools, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy weekday lunches or dinners when time is tight but you crave a meal with soul.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely if you want to make a big batch ahead. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore the creamy texture without drying out the rice or chicken. Top with fresh cilantro and avocado slices just before serving to keep that fresh zing intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Although chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and richness, chicken breasts can be used. Just be mindful to not overcook them, as they tend to dry out faster than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is the dish very spicy?

The heat level can be customized easily by adjusting the amount of jalapeno. Removing seeds reduces spiciness, while leaving them in amps up the kick. The creamy sauce also helps balance out any heat if you prefer milder flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. All the core ingredients are safe, so it’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.

What rice can I use if I don’t have basmati?

While basmati rice adds a lovely fragrance and fluffy texture, you can substitute with jasmine rice or any long-grain white rice. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and liquid amount as different rice types absorb differently.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prepare the cilantro lime sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for a day or two. It actually tastes even better as the flavors meld! Just cook the chicken and rice fresh for best texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about the Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe that keeps you coming back for more—the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and vibrant flavors all in one comforting skillet. It’s an easy, wholesome meal that feels special without fussing in the kitchen. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as I do. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 52 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice recipe is a vibrant, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy, browned chicken thighs are simmered in a zesty, creamy cilantro-lime sauce with sautéed vegetables and tender basmati rice, creating a comforting and aromatic dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with fresh, bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Green Sauce

3 cloves garlic
½ white or yellow onion, roughly chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded (or with seeds for more heat)
1 bunch fresh cilantro (reserve a few for topping)
1 lime, juiced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Freshly ground salt and pepper, to season chicken
1 cup white basmati rice
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 red bell pepper, julienned

Toppings and Garnish

Fresh cilantro leaves
Avocado slices
Jalapeno slices
Greek yogurt or sour cream mixed with water for drizzling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Make the Green Sauce: In a large high-powered blender or food processor, combine garlic, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. Set the sauce aside.
Heat the Skillet: Place a large deep 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering.
Cook the Chicken: Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot oil and cook for 4-5 minutes on one side until browned. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until browned on the other side and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced carrots and julienned red bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for a few minutes, allowing them to absorb any flavorful browned bits left in the pan.
Add the Green Sauce: Slowly pour the prepared green sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Incorporate Rice and Chicken: Stir in the basmati rice, distributing it evenly throughout the pan. Nestle the browned chicken thighs into the sauce and rice mixture.
Simmer and Cook: Once the sauce is simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet immediately, and cook for 20-25 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the sauce flavors and the chicken to finish cooking thoroughly.
Finish and Serve: After 20-25 minutes, check that most of the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Serve immediately garnished with fresh cilantro, jalapeno slices, avocado slices, and a drizzle of the sour cream or Greek yogurt creme if desired.

Notes

To adjust the spice level, keep or remove the jalapeno seeds based on your preference.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
For extra creaminess, add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the sauce before simmering.
Use a deep skillet with a lid to ensure even cooking and prevent liquid from evaporating quickly.
The dish is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired