why make this recipe
This bowl is bright, fresh, and easy. It brings lime and cilantro for a fresh taste. You can make it fast for weeknight dinners. It also feeds a few people and works well as meal prep.
introduction
This recipe uses simple ingredients and cooks fast. The chicken marinated in lime and cilantro gives the rice and beans a bright flavor. For a similar idea using thighs, see this cilantro lime chicken thighs recipe for another easy option.
how to make Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls
Follow the steps below to make the bowls. Marinate the chicken, cook rice and beans, and assemble bowls with fresh vegetables.
Ingredients :
- Chicken breast
- Lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Pepper
- Rice
- Beans
- Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, corn, onions)
- Additional cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
Directions :
- Make the marinade by whisking lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Coat chicken breasts in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare rice and beans according to package instructions.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Assemble bowls with rice, beans, vegetables, and sliced chicken.
- Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately.
how to serve Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls
Serve warm. Put rice first, add beans, then vegetables, and top with sliced chicken. Squeeze a lime wedge over each bowl. Add extra cilantro if you like.
how to store Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls
Cool the chicken and sides to room temperature. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep rice and chicken in separate containers if you want to keep textures better. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until hot.
tips to make Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls
- Marinate at least 30 minutes for more flavor.
- Use cooked rice that is slightly cooled for meal prep.
- Slice chicken thin for easy eating.
- Taste and adjust salt and lime before serving.
- Cook vegetables so they stay crisp but not raw.
variation (if any)
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- Add avocado or a scoop of salsa for extra flavor.
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb bowl.
- Use black beans, pinto beans, or canned seasoned beans.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw fully before marinating and cooking.
Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: You can marinate 30 minutes to 8 hours. Do not go much longer than 8 hours to avoid changing the chicken texture.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Use grilled tofu or roasted cauliflower instead of chicken.
Q: Do I need a grill?
A: No. You can pan-sear the chicken in a skillet if you don’t have a grill.
Conclusion
For another take on cilantro-lime chicken bowls and extra tips, see this recipe from Eat With Clarity’s cilantro lime chicken bowls recipe.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 1 cup Lime juice
- 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken breast
- 2 cups Rice Cook according to package instructions.
- 1 can Beans Any type, rinsed and drained.
- 2 cups Vegetables e.g., bell peppers, corn, onions.
- 1/2 cup Additional cilantro Optional, for garnish.
- 2 pieces Lime wedges Optional, for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Make the marinade by whisking lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Coat chicken breasts in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
- Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare rice and beans according to package instructions.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Assembly
- Assemble bowls with rice, beans, vegetables, and sliced chicken.
- Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately.
