One Pan Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 4 boneless
skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ onion
finely chopped
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- fresh cilantro and crumbled feta cheese for garnish
- ½ avocado
peeled and pitted
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 jalapeno pepper
seeds removed, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
Directions
- 1
Make the sauce: Put all ingredients in a high-powered blender or food processor. Puree until completely smooth, adding a tablespoon or two of water if needed to get a creamy pourable consistency.
- 2
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Season evenly on both sides with the chili powder and salt to taste.
- 3
Heat a large (12-inch) deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and the chicken. Cook until chicken is browned, 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate and wipe out the skillet.
- 4
Heat the remaining tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the rice, garlic and cumin and stir until the rice is coated with oil and garlic is fragrant, 1 or 2 minutes.
- 5
Pour in 2 cups water and add a teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat. Return browned chicken to pan, cover and cook until the rice is absorbed, 20-25 minutes.
- 6
Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with the cilantro and feta and serve.
One Pan Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
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About this Recipe
Tired of juggling multiple pots and pans for dinner? This One Pan Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice recipe delivers vibrant Southwest flavors and an effortless cleanup, making it your new go-to weeknight hero. Imagine a meal so flavorful and satisfying, yet so simple to create.
What makes this dish a standout is its brilliant one-pan design, simplifying your cooking process without sacrificing flavor. The chicken simmers alongside long grain white rice, allowing both to absorb all the aromatic spices like chili powder and ground cumin. The secret to its irresistible taste lies in the luscious cilantro-lime sauce, blending fresh avocado, vibrant cilantro, zesty lime juice, and a subtle kick from jalapeño, creating a rich, creamy texture that coats every bite.
Prepare for a symphony of textures and tastes. You'll find tender, flavorful chicken nestled among perfectly cooked long grain white rice, all enveloped in that signature creamy, zesty sauce. The fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of feta provide bright counterpoints to the savory chicken and warm spices. It's a comforting yet vibrant dish, packed with the sunny essence of the Southwest, offering a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and subtly spicy notes.
While delicious as is, this recipe is quite flexible. For a milder flavor, you can omit the jalapeño or reduce the amount. If you're out of feta, a sprinkle of cotija cheese would offer a similar salty tang. You could also experiment with adding other vegetables like corn or bell peppers during cooking for extra nutrition and color.
This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Serve it warm, garnished generously with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for an extra pop of color and flavor.