Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken + Rice
This cilantro lime chicken is everything you want in a quick chicken recipe — juicy, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes. The tender, golden-brown chicken thighs soak up all the zesty freshness from the cilantro lime marinade, giving you a perfect balance of tangy, herby, and smoky notes.
It’s one of my favorite grilled chicken recipes for an easy weeknight dinner. With the bright punch of lime, the freshness of cilantro, and that subtle caramelization from the grill, it feels like a mini vacation on your plate.
While your gluten free chicken cooks, make a batch of fluffy jasmine rice — because nothing pairs better than chicken and rice. The rice soaks up all the extra sauce from the lime marinade, making every bite a flavor explosion.
You don’t need to plan this meal days in advance — just marinate your chicken for about 30 minutes. The lime marinade of fresh lime juice, shallots, garlic, olive oil, and cilantro works fast to tenderize and flavor the meat. Then, grill or pan-sear your cilantro lime chicken until golden and slightly charred.
This healthy chicken meal is perfect for summer grilling season or when you want something light yet satisfying. Add roasted veggies on the side, and dinner’s done in a snap.
Add this week night meal to your routine.
As the chicken cooks, the marinade caramelizes slightly in the pan, creating a toasty, tangy glaze that pairs beautifully with the rice. While the chicken sizzles, make your jasmine rice and toss some vegetables in the oven — dinner is done in 40 minutes flat!
Calling all cilantro and lime lovers — this one’s for you.
Pro Tip:
Make extra cilantro lime marinade and save it in a jar — it’s amazing as a salad dressing or drizzled over rice bowls. It stays fresh for up to five days in the fridge and instantly upgrades leftovers.
If you love flavorful, healthy meals that come together fast, follow along on Instagram @whitesparrowfoodco for more weeknight dinner inspiration,
More chicken recipes to love.
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken + Rice
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Wow these flavors – it’s your go to chicken for a quick and tasty mid week meal for the entire family.
Ingredients
- 4-6 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- juice and zest from 1 lime, separated
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium to small shallot, minced
- small bunch cilantro, roughly chopped plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon of each salt and pepper, divided in half
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- optional, crumbled cotija cheese to garlic
Instructions
- To marinade the chicken, place the chicken, olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, garlic, shallots and cilantro in a bowl. Mix around to coat the chicken and set aside for at least 30 minutes. If you have time for longer, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
- Add the rice, water, butter and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper to a small saucepot with a lid. Set the heat to medium covered with a lid. When it begins to simmer or bubble, turn the heat to low and cook for 12 minutes. Remove from the heat, until the chicken is cooked.
- Meanwhile, heat a saucepan up over high heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken and all the marinade to the pan – giving each chicken thigh some room so that the bottom side touches the pan (this will help it brown up nicely). After 6 minutes, flip the chicken thighs over and cook until cooked through – about 4 minutes.
- Sprinkle the lime zest over the rice and use a fork to fluff it up.
- Serve and garnish with cotija cheese and more cilantro, if desired.
Notes
You can grill the chicken thighs if you wish.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: chicken
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: dinner
Did you make this recipe? Take a picture and tag me @whitesparrowfoodco or #whitesparrowfoodco I’d love to hear what you thought of the recipe!
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