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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast - 1 cup jasmine rice - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen - 1 avocado, sliced - Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or sour cream Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these bowls shine. I always prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breast. It cooks fast and stays juicy. Jasmine rice adds a lovely fragrance and texture. The fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor that complements the lime well. For extra nutrition and color, I often add black beans and corn. They provide great texture and taste. Sliced avocado offers creaminess, making the meal even better. You can also use toppings like diced tomatoes, cheese, or sour cream to customize each bowl. The options are endless! When you have all these ingredients ready, your cilantro lime chicken rice bowls will be fresh and flavorful. Enjoy each bite! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to marinate the chicken. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mix is what gives the chicken its amazing flavor. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them well. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it marinate in the fridge for up to 4 hours for even more flavor. Next, cook the chicken. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and place it in the pan. Cook each side for about 6 to 7 minutes. The chicken is done when the juices run clear. After cooking, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Now, let’s cook the rice. Start by rinsing 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step helps to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. After it’s done cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the chopped cilantro to add that fresh flavor. Now it’s time to assemble the bowls. Begin by layering the cilantro lime rice as the base. Next, add the sliced chicken on top. Then, sprinkle black beans and corn over the chicken. Finally, add slices of avocado for creaminess. For presentation, arrange the ingredients in separate sections. This creates a colorful and inviting bowl. You can also add a lime wedge on the side. It not only looks good but adds extra zesty flavor when squeezed on top. Enjoy your beautiful and tasty meal! To get the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For even richer taste, consider marinating it for up to 4 hours. You can add extra spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for more depth. A dash of honey can add sweetness. When grilling or pan-searing chicken, heat the pan until it’s hot. This helps create a nice sear. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. To check if it’s done, cut into the thickest part. If the juices run clear, it’s ready. Using a rice cooker makes cooking jasmine rice easy. Just rinse the rice, add chicken broth, and set it to cook. You can also substitute jasmine rice with brown rice or quinoa for a different flavor. Adjust the cooking time according to the rice type. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible, to absorb all the zesty flavors of lime and spices. Rinse the Rice: Rinsing jasmine rice before cooking removes excess starch, leading to fluffier, less sticky rice. Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite. Customize Your Bowls: Feel free to mix and match toppings based on your preferences. Try adding pickled onions, jalapeños, or fresh salsa for an extra kick! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your bowl for a new taste. If you prefer plant-based options, try tofu or tempeh. Both absorb flavors well and add great texture. For those who love meat, use shrimp or pork. Both pair nicely with cilantro and lime, giving you a fresh twist. Adding seasonal vegetables makes your bowl even better. Fresh bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can brighten your dish. You can also swap the corn and beans for seasonal veggies. This keeps your meal fresh and exciting while packing in nutrients. To boost flavor, add spices or herbs. Try smoked paprika for a smoky taste or fresh mint for a cool kick. You can also experiment with different citrus. Use lemon or orange juice instead of lime. Each option gives a unique flair to the dish, making it more interesting. Leftovers from your cilantro lime chicken rice bowls can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. I recommend separating the components before storage. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of each ingredient. For example, keep the rice, chicken, and veggies in separate containers. This way, your meal stays enjoyable when you reheat it. To freeze the assembled bowls, first, let them cool completely. Then, place portions in airtight freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze these bowls for up to 3 months. When it’s time to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the microwave or oven. Heat until everything is warm throughout. If you can, add a splash of lime juice before serving for a fresh taste. To make cilantro lime rice, start with jasmine rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until clear. This step removes excess starch for fluffier rice. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once the liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and mix in chopped cilantro and lime juice. This creates a bright, zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken. Yes, you can prepare these bowls ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and cook it a day before. Store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. For the rice, you can also cook it ahead. Just remember to let it cool before storing. When you are ready to eat, reheat the chicken and rice. Assemble the bowls with fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro. This way, you can enjoy a quick and tasty meal even on busy days. You can serve many tasty sides with these bowls. A simple green salad with a light dressing complements the meal well. You might like tortilla chips with salsa for a crunchy side. Grilled vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, add color and flavor. For a filling option, serve black bean soup on the side. Each of these sides enhances the fresh and zesty taste of the cilantro lime chicken rice bowls. You learned how to make delicious Cilantro Lime Chicken Rice Bowls. We covered main and optional ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and assembly tips. I shared marinade practices and cooking techniques to perfect your chicken. You also discovered variations and storage tips. With this easy guide, you can impress everyone with a tasty meal. Enjoy customizing your bowls and experimenting with flavors. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll create a dish that's both satisfying and fun!

Cilantro Lime Chicken Rice Bowls

A flavorful and vibrant bowl featuring marinated chicken, cilantro lime rice, black beans, corn, and avocado.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 limes juice and zest
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or sour cream

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).
  • Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Stir in chopped cilantro.
  • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • In serving bowls, layer the cilantro lime rice as the base. Top with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, and avocado.
  • Garnish with additional cilantro, lime wedges, and any other desired toppings such as diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or sour cream.

Notes

Arrange the ingredients in separate sections in the bowl for a colorful presentation. Add a lime wedge on the side for extra zesty flavor!
Keyword chicken, cilantro lime, healthy, rice bowls