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With a few basic ingredients, you can whip up this tasty One Pan Chili Lime Chicken and Rice in no time. The tangy seasonings make the chicken super juicy while the rice soaks up all those yummy flavors. You'll have dinner on the table in half an hour - no fancy techniques needed!
I've made this countless times for my family, and I've learned that taking time to brown the chicken first makes all the difference. The flavor gets so much better! When the spice mix coats both the meat and rice, every single forkful tastes amazing.
Key Ingredients
- Jasmine rice: Makes a light, tasty foundation
- Fresh lime: Gives a zingy citrus kick
- Boneless chicken breasts: Flattened for even cooking time
- Chicken broth: Gets the rice just right
- Chili powder: Adds a warm, spicy flavor
- Fresh cilantro: Perks up the whole dish
Step-By-Step Cooking Guide
- Final Cooking
- Place chicken back on rice, Cover pan tightly, Turn heat down to medium-low, Leave untouched for 20-25 minutes, Make sure rice is soft and liquid's gone
- Finishing Touches
- Keep covered for 5 more minutes, Gently fluff rice with fork, Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top, Drizzle extra lime juice, Dish up right away
- Rice Preparation
- Toss rice into the same pan, Mix in leftover seasoning blend, Add the chicken broth, Squeeze in fresh lime juice, Mix everything well
- Initial Cooking
- Warm up large skillet on medium-high, Pour in oil until it's hot, Add your seasoned chicken, Cook until golden (3-4 mins each side), Move chicken to a clean plate
- Chicken Preparation
- Dry chicken breasts completely, Flatten to about ½-inch thick, Combine all spices in a bowl, Rub half the spices on chicken, Save the rest for the rice
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Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Keeps in sealed containers for 5 days, Freeze chicken and rice in separate containers, Warm up slowly to keep everything moist, Works great for planning meals ahead
To wrap things up: This One Pan Chili Lime Chicken and Rice shows how simple weeknight cooking can still pack tons of flavor. The combo of tangy spices, juicy chicken and fluffy rice makes a meal your whole family will ask for again and again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch to brown rice?
- Sure, but it takes longer—add 15-20 minutes more cooking time, and you might need extra broth since brown rice absorbs more liquid.
- → What pan works best?
- Go for a big skillet with a snug lid. Non-stick or a well-seasoned pan is ideal to keep rice from sticking.
- → How can I make it spicier?
- Turn up the heat by tossing in extra cayenne or stirring in some diced jalapeños with the rice.
- → Can I prepare anything ahead?
- You could pre-mix the spices to save time, but the meal turns out best when cooked fresh, so the rice has perfect texture.
- → Why flatten the chicken pieces?
- Flattening makes the chicken cook evenly and keeps it from drying out. Skip this part if using thighs instead of breasts.