Zesty One Pan Chili Lime Chicken & Rice Recipe for Busy Nights

Spice up your weeknight dinner with this zesty one pan chili lime chicken & rice that delivers bold flavors without complicated cooking steps.

The tangy lime and warm chili seasonings create a mouthwatering combination that will make your taste buds dance.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly alongside fluffy rice, absorbing every drop of delicious marinade.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of heat and brightness that feels both comforting and exciting.

Fresh ingredients and simple techniques transform this meal into a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily prepare at home.

The entire meal comes together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.

This recipe guarantees a delightful dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Chili Lime Chicken and Rice Temptations

• Dive into a flavor explosion with this zesty chili lime chicken and rice that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.
• Create a complete meal in one pan, reducing cleanup time and making weeknight dinners a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Adjust spice levels by controlling the amount of cayenne pepper, making this recipe perfect for different taste preferences and family members.
• Prepare a delicious, satisfying meal in under an hour with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that guarantee success.

All the Ingredients for Chili Lime Chicken and Rice

• Chicken: A lean protein that absorbs the bold chili lime flavors and creates a hearty main dish.

• Chili Powder, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper: A robust spice mixture that adds depth, heat, and complex flavor to the chicken and rice.

• Chicken Broth, Lime Juice, Oil: Provides moisture, brightness, and helps create a flavorful cooking liquid for the rice.
• Cilantro: A fresh herb that adds a bright, citrusy garnish to finish the dish.

Tools for One-Pan Chicken and Rice Night

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and rice in one pan.
• Measuring spoons: Perfect for precise seasoning measurements.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing chicken and chopping cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Used for slicing chicken and garnishing with cilantro.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring rice and flipping chicken.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate broth and rice quantities.

Stepwise Method for Chili Lime Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Craft Zesty Spice Blend

Blend together chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Generously coat chicken pieces with half of this vibrant spice mixture, keeping the remaining seasoning for later use.

Step 2: Sear Golden Chicken

Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Gently transfer chicken to a clean plate.

Step 3: Create Tangy Rice Base

Pour rice, remaining spice blend, chicken broth, and fresh lime juice into the same skillet.

Stir ingredients thoroughly to combine and distribute flavors evenly.

Nestle seared chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.

Step 4: Simmer and Infuse

Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reducing heat to low.

Allow everything to simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice absorbs all liquid and becomes tender.

Once cooked, fluff rice with a fork.

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Tricks for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken and Rice

• Spice Balance Blend the seasoning mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors across the chicken and rice.
• Oil Temperature Control Use medium heat to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden-brown chicken exterior without overcooking.
• Liquid Ratio Precision Measure chicken broth carefully to guarantee perfectly cooked, fluffy rice that's not too dry or soggy.
• Fresh Finish Boost Sprinkle fresh cilantro and squeeze lime juice right before serving to add brightness and enhance the dish's overall flavor profile.
• Rest and Absorb Allow the dish to sit covered for a few minutes after cooking so rice can fully absorb remaining moisture and flavors.

Ways to Mix Up Chili Lime Chicken and Rice

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same spice blend for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Cauliflower Rice Option: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, grain-free alternative that keeps the zesty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Use quinoa instead of rice, add diced cucumber, and sprinkle feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation.
• Spicy Seafood Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp or white fish, maintaining the chili lime seasoning for a quick seafood meal.

Plating Ideas for Chili Lime Chicken and Rice

• Zesty Garnish Party: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and squeeze extra lime juice to brighten the dish's flavors and add a vibrant, fresh touch.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside black beans, sliced avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to enhance protein content and create a more filling meal.
• Spice Lovers' Delight: Add hot sauce, jalapeño slices, or extra cayenne pepper for those who crave an extra kick of heat and intensity.
• Colorful Side Companion: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad or roasted vegetable medley to balance the rich, spicy chicken and rice main course.

Storage Tips for One Pan Chili Lime Chicken and Rice

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, chicken and rice will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer completely cooled meal to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Chicken and rice can be frozen up to 3 months without losing flavor quality.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm leftover chicken and rice in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture, gently stir until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking liquid and time. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, typically 45-50 minutes instead of 20-25 minutes.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe uses mild spices with optional cayenne pepper for heat. You can control the spice level by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper. For less heat, use just a pinch or skip it completely.

• Do I need to use fresh lime juice?

Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lime juice works as a convenient alternative. If using bottled, choose 100% lime juice without added preservatives for the most authentic taste.

One Pan Chili Lime Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired one pan chili lime chicken & rice delivers zesty flavors through a simple weeknight dinner solution. Home cooks can enjoy this balanced meal with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or 4 chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Rice and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 lime, juiced (plus additional wedges for serving)
• Fresh cilantro for topping

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant spice blend by mixing chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Generously coat chicken pieces with half the seasoning mixture, reserving the remainder for later.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer chicken to a plate, keeping the flavorful pan drippings.
3. Pour rice into the same skillet, adding remaining spice mixture, chicken broth, and fresh lime juice. Stir ingredients to distribute seasonings evenly and create a fragrant base.
4. Carefully position seared chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid is completely absorbed.
5. Remove lid and gently fluff rice with a fork. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze additional lime juice over the dish for a bright, zesty finish. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easier slicing.
• Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on spice tolerance, ensuring balanced heat for all palates.
• Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness and prevent dryness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg