One Pan Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice – Easy, Zesty & Full of Flavor

Introduction

One pan, one dinner, zero stress. This One Pan Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice is exactly the kind of weeknight recipe you need in your life — golden seared chicken thighs sitting on a bed of fluffy, herb-infused rice, all cooked in a single skillet with bright lime and fresh cilantro running through every bite.

The chicken juices drip into the rice as it cooks, creating an incredibly flavorful base that tastes like it took hours — but is actually on the table in 40 minutes. Less washing up, more enjoying dinner.

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Ingredients List

• 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless)
• 1 cup (185g) long-grain white rice
• 1 3/4 cups (420ml) chicken broth
• 1 lime, zest and juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small handful fresh cilantro, chopped
• Extra lime wedges to serve

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Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season chicken with cumin, chili powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half the lime zest. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5 minutes until deeply golden. Flip and sear 2 more minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

In the same skillet with the chicken drippings, add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add rice and toast 2 minutes, stirring, until lightly golden. This step adds a nutty depth to the rice that makes all the difference.

Step 3: Add Broth and Lime

Pour in chicken broth and lime juice. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer. Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, skin side up.

Step 4: Cover and Cook

Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil. Reduce heat to low and cook 20 minutes until rice has absorbed all the broth and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165 F). Let rest covered 5 minutes before opening.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Scatter fresh cilantro and remaining lime zest over the top. Fluff the rice gently around the chicken. Serve directly from the pan with extra lime wedges.

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Nutritional Information

• Calories: 460 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with sliced avocado or guacamole
• Add a side of black beans for extra protein
• Pair with a simple green salad
• Serve with warm tortillas to scoop up rice and chicken together

Storing Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days
• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to revive the rice
• Great for meal prep — portion into containers for easy lunches

Conclusion

This One Pan Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice is the weeknight hero you have been looking for — minimal effort, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor. The zesty lime and fresh cilantro make every bite bright and satisfying. Add it to your dinner rotation this week!

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes — boneless thighs cook faster. Reduce the covered cooking time to 15 minutes and check that rice is fully cooked.

2. My rice came out mushy — what went wrong?
Too much liquid or too long on heat. Make sure you measure broth accurately and remove from heat as soon as broth is absorbed.

3. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes — stir in frozen corn, diced bell peppers, or black beans with the rice before covering. They cook perfectly alongside.