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Quick Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls

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A no-fuss, vibrant dinner featuring marinated chicken, cilantro lime rice, and fresh toppings, perfect for quick and easy summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice or jasmine rice
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or thawed if frozen
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt for dolloping
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder (if using), olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate up to 2 hours.
  2. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  3. Fluff rice with a fork. Stir in lime zest and chopped cilantro. Adjust salt if needed.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is browned. Cook in batches if necessary.
  5. While chicken cooks, prepare toppings: rinse and drain black beans, slice avocado, halve cherry tomatoes, and prepare corn kernels.
  6. Assemble bowls by spooning cilantro lime rice into bowls. Slice chicken and arrange on top. Add black beans, corn, avocado, and cherry tomatoes. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a nice sear. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F. Rinse rice before cooking for fluffier texture. Add fresh cilantro at the end to keep flavor bright. Lime zest in rice enhances freshness. For extra heat, add jalapeños or chipotle powder. Store components separately for best leftover quality.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, chicken bowls, summer dinner, quick dinner, easy recipe, healthy chicken, cilantro lime rice

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/quick-cilantro-lime-chicken-bowls-recipe-for-easy-summer-dinners/