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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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