A one pot cilantro lime chicken recipe mixed with rice and nutritious veggies makes this the perfect healthy weeknight meal. Top with fresh cilantro, avocado and/or jalapeno for a protein-packed meal the whole family will love.

Why Make This Recipe?

We’re big fans of the cilantro lime pairing in this house. From chicken marinade to salad dressing, its hard to go wrong with these flavors. The only thing better? A one-pot dish that combines the flavors of cilantro lime chicken with a complete meal of rice and veggies.

Still not convinced? Here are three more reasons to make this cilantro lime chicken recipe!

1. Only one pan required – that’s right! Keep the dishes to a minimum because all you need is one pan (or pot).
2. Balance of nutritious ingredients – with protein from the chicken, carbs from the rice and delicious nutrients from the veggies you have a complete meal in one.
3. Easily customizable – This cilantro lime sauce can be paired with so many different options including swapping in boneless skinless chicken breast or your favorite veggies.

Ingredients Needed

• Olive oil – for cooking chicken.
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs – see notes below for swapping cuts of chicken.
• Bell pepper and green beans – my go-to veggies for this cilantro lime chicken recipe.
• Garlic cloves + Onion – aromatics to add to your cilantro lime chicken marinade
• Fresh cilantro leaves – you’ll want to use a whole bunch.
• Chicken broth – any type of broth or stock or even water can be used.
• Fresh lime juice and zest – use a whole lime
• Spices – cumin, salt and pepper for taste
• White rice – I like using white basmati or jasmine rice. DO NOT USE BROWN RICE.
• Optional toppings: Fresh cilantro leaves, Avocado, Jalapeno (for spice)

How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice

Easy Swaps + Substitutions

• Use chicken breast – You can easily sub in chicken breast for chicken thighs. You could also use bone-in chicken thighs but note that you’ll need to brown them a little longer because they take longer to cook.
• Add some spice – Add a jalapeno to your blender to kick up the heat or sprinkle some red pepper flakes onto your bowls afterwards.
• Swap the veggies – I like using bell pepper and green beans but you can stir in any veggies of your choosing. Peas, corn and even leafy greens are all great options.
• Use lemon in place of lime – fresh lemon juice and zest can easily be used in place of lime if you prefer the taste.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Freezer instructions: Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on stovetop or in microwave.

More One Pot Chicken Recipes:

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One Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice

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A one pot cilantro lime chicken recipe mixed with rice and nutritious veggies makes this the perfect healthy weeknight meal. Top with fresh cilantro, avocado and/or jalapeno for a protein-packed meal the whole family will love.

• Author: Davida Lederle
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Cook
• Diet: Gluten Free

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• salt + pepper
• 1 bell pepper, seeded + sliced
• 8 oz green beans, ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch long pieces
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 small white onion (or 1/2 large)
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, thick ends removed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lime, zested + juiced
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• pinch black pepper
• 1 cup white basmati or jasmine rice
• Optional toppings: avocado, more cilantro leaves, jalapeno

1. Heat a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil.
2. Add chicken to pot, sprinkle with salt and pepper and brown on both sides (roughly 3 minutes per side). No need to cook all the way through.
3. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
4. Add bell pepper and green beans to pot and cook for 3 minutes.
5. In a blender combine garlic cloves, onion, cilantro, chicken broth, lime zest + juice, cumin, salt and pepper and blend until smooth.
6. Add rice to pot with veggies and top with blended sauce. Bring mixture to a simmer.
7. Once simmering reduce heat to low and add the browned chicken on top and nestle them into the rice.
8. Cover the pot or skillet immediately and cook for 20-25 minutes or until rice has absorbed all liquid and chicken is cooked through.
9. Divide into bowls and top with desired toppings.