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Transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful weeknight dinner, this One Pan Chili Lime Chicken and Rice combines zesty seasonings with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice. This 30-minute meal proves that delicious doesn't have to mean complicated.
Through countless family dinners, I've found that letting the chicken brown properly before adding the rice creates the most flavorful base. The seasoning mixture infuses both the chicken and rice, ensuring every bite is delicious.
Essential Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts: Pounded evenly for consistent cooking
- Jasmine rice: Creates fluffy, flavorful base
- Chili powder: Provides warm, earthy spice
- Fresh lime: Adds bright citrus notes
- Chicken broth: Creates perfectly cooked rice
- Fresh cilantro: Brightens the finished dish
Detailed Instructions
- Chicken Preparation
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry, Pound to even ½-inch thickness, Mix all seasonings in small bowl, Season chicken with half the mixture, Reserve remaining seasoning for rice
- Initial Cooking
- Heat large skillet over medium-high heat, Add vegetable oil until shimmering, Place seasoned chicken in pan, Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden, Remove chicken to clean plate
- Rice Preparation
- Add rice to same pan, Stir in remaining seasoning mixture, Pour in chicken broth, Add fresh lime juice, Stir to combine thoroughly
- Final Cooking
- Return chicken to pan on top of rice, Cover tightly with lid, Reduce heat to medium-low, Cook 20-25 minutes undisturbed, Check rice is tender and liquid absorbed
- Finishing Touches
- Let rest 5 minutes covered, Fluff rice with fork, Garnish with fresh cilantro, Squeeze additional lime juice, Serve immediately
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Storage and Meal Prep
Store in airtight container up to 5 days, Freeze chicken separately from rice, Reheat gently to maintain moisture, Perfect for weekly meal prep
Final thoughts: This One Pan Chili Lime Chicken and Rice proves that weeknight dinners can be both convenient and delicious. The combination of zesty seasonings, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice creates a satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- While you can use brown rice, you'll need to increase cooking time by 15-20 minutes and may need to add more broth since brown rice requires longer cooking.
- → What's the best pan to use?
- Use a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid. A non-stick or well-seasoned pan works best to prevent the rice from sticking.
- → Can I make this spicier?
- Yes! Add more cayenne pepper to taste, or include diced jalapeños with the rice for extra heat.
- → Can I prep this ahead?
- You can mix the spice blend ahead of time and store it, but the dish is best cooked fresh for the optimal rice texture.
- → Why pound the chicken breasts?
- Pounding chicken breasts to even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay tender. This step isn't necessary with chicken thighs.