Easy One Pan Chili Lime Chicken & Rice (Print version)
Seared chili-lime chicken thighs bake over fragrant rice in one pan for a 45-minute weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
# Ingredients:
Chicken
01 -
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lb / 680 g)
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
03 -
1 teaspoon chili powder
04 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
05 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 -
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
08 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Rice & liquid
09 -
1 cup (190 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
10 -
1 3/4 cups (420 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
11 -
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 1/2 limes)
12 -
1 teaspoon lime zest
To finish
13 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
14 -
Lime wedges, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Pat the chicken thighs dry. Mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then rub the spice blend all over the chicken. Let sit at room temperature while the oven heats to 400°F (200°C).
02 -
Heat the oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken skin-side down and sear without moving for 4 to 5 minutes, until the skin is deep golden and releases easily. Flip and sear the second side for 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
03 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute to toast in the rendered fat. Pour in the broth, lime juice, and lime zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
04 -
Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed, the rice is tender, and the chicken registers 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
05 -
Remove from the oven and let the skillet rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, scatter cilantro over the top, and serve with lime wedges.
# Good to know:
01 -
Serve straight from the skillet for the best presentation.
02 -
Let the dish rest 5 minutes before fluffing so the rice finishes steaming.