If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, fresh herbs, and a zing of citrus, then you’ve got to try this Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe. It’s an explosion of smoky, spicy, and tangy notes all on one plate, perfectly balancing the hearty warmth of Cajun-spiced chicken with the bright, herbal brightness of coriander and lime-infused rice. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is a fantastic weeknight dinner that feels special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role — from the Cajun seasoning delivering the heat and depth, to the lime and coriander adding freshness and vibrancy, to the rice that ties everything together with its fluffy texture.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose thick, even pieces for juicy results and easy slicing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps cook the chicken to a perfect golden crust without drying it out.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: This is the heart of the flavor, with its blend of spices that bring warmth and spice.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Adds a smoky depth that complements the Cajun spices beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a subtle garlicky underpinning without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 cup basmati rice (or long-grain white rice): Perfect for fluffy, separate grains that soak up the lime and coriander.
- 2 cups water or chicken broth: Broth adds extra flavor; water works just fine if you prefer lighter.
- Zest and juice of 1 lime: Bright citrus notes that lift the entire dish.
- ¼ cup fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped: Brings fresh, herbal brightness that’s essential here.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Stirred into the rice for added silkiness and flavor.
- Salt to taste: Final seasoning touch to bring all elements together.
How to Make Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This simple step removes excess starch, ensuring your rice stays light and fluffy, which is crucial for the texture of the coriander and lime rice. Then bring your rice and choice of water or broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
Step 2: Simmer the Rice
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the rice simmer gently for about 15-18 minutes, until tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. After turning off the heat, let it sit covered for another 5 minutes to steam. Fluffing the rice with a fork at this point prevents clumping and prepares it for the flavorful additions.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the rice is cooking, season your chicken breasts generously on both sides with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika if using, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful golden crust and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C. Allow the chicken to rest to lock in the juices before slicing.
Step 4: Finish the Lime and Coriander Rice
To finish the rice, gently stir in the lime zest, lime juice, chopped fresh coriander, and olive oil. Taste and add salt as needed to enhance all the bright, refreshing notes. Mixing these in while the rice is still warm allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Serve the sliced Cajun chicken atop a generous bed of your zesty coriander and lime rice. This plating not only looks inviting but also lets every bite combine the meat’s smoky richness with the lively citrus-herb rice, creating a perfect harmony.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the visual appeal and flavor, add fresh coriander sprigs and lime wedges on the side. These little touches invite your guests to customize each bite, boosting the fresh notes and adding a pop of color that makes the dish feel even more special and vibrant.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with lightly steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or bell peppers. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness of the chicken perfectly. If you want a bit of crunch, some toasted nuts or crispy fried onions sprinkled on top of the rice can add a delightful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in a hollowed-out bell pepper or tomato bowl. Another idea is to pack the coriander and lime rice into a ring mold and place the chicken slices around it for a restaurant-quality presentation. You could also unpack the chicken and rice into a vibrant grain bowl with avocado slices and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a fresh, modern take.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the rice and chicken together lets the flavors continue to meld, but separate storage can help maintain texture if you prefer.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to one month by placing portions in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the chicken juicy and the rice fluffy. Just be mindful that fresh coriander and lime in the rice are best added fresh whenever possible for the brightest flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and rice gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness. Covering the dish during reheating traps steam and preserves moisture. To refresh the citrus-herb brightness, stir in a little fresh lime juice and chopped coriander after warming.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! While basmati or long-grain rice works best for a fluffy texture, jasmine rice or even brown rice can be good alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time according to the rice package instructions.
Is homemade Cajun seasoning better than store-bought?
Homemade seasoning lets you tailor the spices exactly to your preference, maybe adding more heat or smokiness. That said, many store-bought blends are fantastic and convenient, making this recipe quick and easy any night of the week.
Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?
Yes, grilling the Cajun-seasoned chicken adds a lovely smoky flavor and char that works beautifully with the lime and coriander rice. Just watch the cooking time carefully to keep the chicken juicy.
What can I substitute for coriander if I’m not a fan?
If coriander (cilantro) isn’t your thing, fresh parsley is a milder, aromatic alternative. You could also try fresh basil or mint for different but equally delightful fresh herb notes.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegan version, substitute the chicken with spiced tofu or grilled vegetables like mushrooms and peppers, and use vegetable broth for the rice. The vibrant flavors of the lime and coriander rice will shine through, making it just as satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals. It marries bold, comforting flavors with effortless freshness in a way that feels both exciting and familiar. Whether you’re cooking for two or want to impress friends, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. So grab those ingredients and dive into this vibrant taste adventure — your dinner table will thank you!
Print
Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Cajun Chicken served over fragrant coriander and lime-infused basmati rice, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices and cooked to juicy perfection, complemented by the fresh zest and tang of lime in the rice.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coriander and Lime Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice (or long-grain white rice)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy rice.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer gently for 15-18 minutes or until tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff the Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat, keeping it covered, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Season the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika if using, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Slice the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then slice into strips.
- Finish the Rice: Stir the lime zest, lime juice, chopped coriander, and olive oil into the cooked and fluffed rice. Season with salt to taste and mix thoroughly.
- Serve: Plate the coriander lime rice and top with sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with extra fresh coriander and lime wedges if desired for added brightness.
Notes
- Use chicken broth instead of water for richer-flavored rice.
- Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to taste for mild or spicy heat.
- Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing helps retain its juices.
- Fresh coriander can be substituted with parsley if unavailable.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure the Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
