Calling all cilantro lovers! This one's for you! This Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice is so easy with avocado salsa and the juiciest marinade.
This dish is a total celebration of fresh flavours and simple prep. The juicy marinade ensures every bite is basically bursting with taste.
Why you'll love this recipe
- That lime zing: The lime and cilantro flavours keep this tasting fresh and bright.
- Easy & juicy: The simple marinade is just so tasty, and keeps the chicken juicy and delicious.
Ingredients and substitutions
Chicken
- Chicken cutlets – use two boneless skinless chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise or use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead.
- Olive oil – any neutral cooking oil, such as avocado oil or canola oil, will work here.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice – in a pinch, you can use bottled lime juice.
- Garlic – freshly minced garlic is best but jarred minced garlic can also be used.
- Honey – maple syrup, agave or brown sugar would help add a bit of sweetness to the marinade.
- Chili powder – make your own chili powder using a blend of paprika, cumin and cayenne.
- Cumin – coriander is the best substitute here.
- Cilantro – the cilantro is the star of this recipe but you could also try making this dish using parsley.
Avocado salsa
- Avocado – make this fresh salsa with mango or peach instead.
- Red onion – white or yellow onion would work but will have a milder flavour.
- Cilantro – feel free to use parsley instead or leave the cilantro out altogether.
- Lime juice – fresh lime juice is best but bottled lime or even lemon juice can be used.
Rice
- Jasmine rice – use any rice variety of your choice like basmati rice or brown rice.
- Butter – add in a bit of margarine or olive oil to help make the rice nice and moist.
- Lime juice – fresh lime juice is best but bottled lime or even lemon juice can be used.
- Cilantro – feel free to use parsley instead or leave the cilantro out altogether.
How to make cilantro lime chicken and rice
Step 1: Marinate the chicken.
Add all marinade ingredients to a ziploc bag or baking dish. Let chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes and up to 24 hours.
Step 2: Make the rice.
Cook until the liquid has absorbed.
Step 3: Mix together the avocado salsa.
Mix ingredients for the avocado salsa and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the chicken.
Add chicken and half the marinade to a skillet, sautéing for 5 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Sprinkle cilantro over top.
Sprinkle cilantro overtop.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
Top with avocado salsa, and enjoy!
Recipe tips and variations
Want to elevate your cilantro lime chicken? Here are some tips and variations you can try:
- Marinate longer: For deeper flavour, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or even overnight.
- Sear for the char: Sear the chicken before baking or grilling to create a crispy exterior and lock in juices.
- Fresh cilantro finish: Add a generous amount of fresh cilantro just before serving to maximize the vibrant flavour.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy twist.
- Coconut infusion: Use coconut milk in the marinade for a creamy variation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I prevent the cilantro from turning brown in the marinade?
Add the cilantro just before serving or blend it into the marinade at the last minute to preserve its bright green colour.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Brining the chicken before marinating or using a sous vide cooking method can help retain its moisture.
How do I prevent the lime zest from becoming bitter in the marinade?
Zest only the outer green layer of the lime, and avoid the white pith underneath.
What to serve with cilantro lime chicken
I like serving this cilantro lime chicken with a side of rice and fresh avocado salsa, but there are so many ways you can enjoy this dish. For a low-carb option, you can even just eat it on its own without the rice!
Here are some other dishes that go well with cilantro chicken:
- Cauliflower rice (this chili lime flavour is amazing)
- Steamed or roasted veggies
- Sweet potato salad or sweet potato fries
- Cowboy caviar
How to store and reheat
Store: Store the leftovers in the fridge for 3-5 days. Sprinkle some water over top then reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Freeze and reheat: Freeze this cilantro lime chicken raw in the marinade or cooked for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight then cook or reheat as normal.
More flavourful chicken recipes
Meal prep tools
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice into your weekly lunches.
- I get all my free-range chicken from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen.
- A rice cooker is invaluable for saving time, and it cooks other grains, too!
- Get a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked through.
Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken cutlets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice Juice from 1 lime
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped reserve some for topping at the end
Avocado salsa
- 1 avocado chopped
- 1/2 small red onion diced
- 1/4 bunch cilantro finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice Juice from half a lime
- 1/2 tsp salt
Rice
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 tsp butter
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tbsp lime juice Juice from half a lime
- 1/4 bunch cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
Grilling instructions
- Preheat BBQ to 400 F. Add everything, but reserving some fresh cilantro on the side for topping after, under the chicken heading to a zip top bag or baking dish, mixing well to combine. Let chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes and up to 24 hours.
- Meanwhile, add rice, water, butter and salt to a rice cooker or pot on the stove and cook until the liquid has absorbed. When rice is done, stir in lime juice and cilantro.
- Meanwhile, mix ingredients under the avocado salsa heading together in a bowl and set aside.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 5 minutes per side, then remove from heat. Sprinkle cilantro overtop, then serve chicken overtop of cooked rice. Top with avocado salsa, and enjoy!
Skillet instructions
- Add everything, but reserving some fresh cilantro on the side for topping after, under the chicken heading to a zip top bag or baking dish, mixing well to combine. Let chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes and up to 24 hours.
- Meanwhile, add rice, water, butter and salt to a rice cooker or pot on the stove and cook until the liquid has absorbed. When rice is done, stir in lime juice and cilantro.
- Meanwhile, mix ingredients under the avocado salsa heading together in a bowl and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over med-high heat. Add chicken and half the marinade to the skillet, sauteeing for 5 minutes per side. Remove from heat. Sprinkle cilantro overtop, then serve chicken overtop of cooked rice. Top with avocado salsa, and enjoy!
Comments & Reviews
Jessica says
Delicious! I’ve made this for 2 different families, to rave reviews. I have tons of cilantro on hand now, so I’ll be stocking my freezer with cilantro lime marinated chicken! Thanks for sharing.
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you love it 🙂
Hannah says
Are we supposed to include the 1/2 bunch cilantro in the chicken marinade OR add after chicken is cooked? I added to marinade but now thinking that was wrong.
Taylor Stinson says
What you did is correct. You may just want to reserve some extra cilantro for topping the chicken after. I’ve updated the recipe to make that clearer.
Debbie says
My whole family loved it. Nothing was left. Next time have to double the recipe.
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!
Kim says
Rice directions are unclear, when is the cilantro and lime added?
Taylor Stinson says
Sorry about that, you stir in the lime juice and cilantro at the end when the rice is done cooking. I have updated the instructions to reflect that.