One Pan Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice

by

This vibrant one-pan meal brings together perfectly seasoned chicken thighs and fluffy, zesty cilantro lime rice in a single pot. It’s rich with flavor, incredibly easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome, hearty, and packed with bold taste—all with minimal cleanup.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1½ teaspoons chili powder

  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1½ cups basmati or jasmine rice

  • 1 tablespoon lime zest

  • 3 cups chicken stock

  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Equipment: Dutch Oven

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
     In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Set aside to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, if time allows.

  2. Brown the Chicken:
     Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. In batches, add chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. Set aside.

  3. Sauté the Aromatics:
     Add diced onion to the same pot and cook until tender, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  4. Toast the Rice:
     Stir in rice and lime zest. Cook, stirring, until the rice is lightly toasted, about 1–2 minutes.

  5. Simmer Everything Together:
     Stir in chicken stock, scraping any browned bits from the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Return chicken to the pot in a single layer.

  6. Cook the Rice and Chicken:
     Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), about 15–20 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes.

  7. Finish and Serve:
     Remove the chicken. Add cilantro and lime juice to the rice and fluff with a fork. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve chicken over the rice with your favorite toppings.

Conclusion

Bold, bright, and deeply satisfying, this One Pan Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice dish is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, it brings the zing of lime, the earthiness of cumin, and the comfort of tender chicken—all in a single pot. Enjoy it fresh and let the leftovers shine just as bright the next day.

Leave a Comment