There is nothing quite as comforting and flavorful as a dish that perfectly balances creamy, zesty, and fresh elements, and that’s exactly why the Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to share with friends. This recipe brings together tender chicken thighs simmered in a luscious cilantro lime sauce with fluffy basmati rice and vibrant veggies, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and packed with personality. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a delicious solo dinner, this dish is guaranteed to deliver a burst of brightness and creaminess in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that each play their part in making the dish sing. From aromatic spices to fresh vegetables, every component adds texture, vibrant color, and layers of flavor that make the dish unforgettable.
- Olive oil: Key for sautéing the chicken and veggies, it adds a subtle richness without overpowering other flavors.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they soak up the sauce beautifully and stay moist during cooking.
- Freshly ground salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, these bring out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
- Garlic cloves: Offer a fragrant punch that deepens the overall aroma of the dish.
- White or yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and a bit of body to the sauce.
- Jalapeno: Choose to seed it or not, depending on how much heat you want to add.
- Fresh cilantro: The star of the show, it provides that bright, herbal note and beautiful green color.
- Lime juice: Adds tanginess that perfectly balances the creamy elements.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates the base of the sauce and cooks the rice to tender perfection.
- Ground cumin: Warm and earthy, it enhances the flavor without stealing the spotlight.
- White basmati rice: Fluffy and fragrant, it soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Carrots: Sliced thin for sweetness, texture, and a splash of bright orange.
- Red bell pepper: Julienned for subtle crunch and a pop of color.
- Avocado slices: Adds creamy smoothness when served on top.
- Jalapeno slices: Optional, for garnish and an extra kick.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream + water: Mixed to create a drizzleable creme that cools the spiciness and adds richness.
How to Make Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Green Sauce
Start by tossing garlic, chopped onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and freshly ground pepper into a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend everything until it’s perfectly smooth. This vibrant green sauce is where your dish gets that signature creamy cilantro lime flavor and it sets the tone for the entire meal.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken Thighs
Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Season your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned and caramelized. This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy inside. Once browned, transfer them to a plate to rest while you move on.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced carrots and julienned bell peppers to sauté over medium heat for just a few minutes. This quick sauté helps the veggies absorb any remaining pan flavors and softens them just enough to blend harmoniously with the rice and sauce.
Step 4: Combine Sauce, Rice, and Chicken
Pour your freshly made green sauce slowly over the sautéed vegetables, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Then fold in the white basmati rice, spreading it evenly across the pan. Nestle the browned chicken thighs right on top, pressing them gently into the sauce. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, allowing everything to cook together for about 20-25 minutes. The rice will soak up the flavors while the chicken finishes cooking to tender perfection.
Step 5: Final Check and Serve
After the cooking time, most of the sauce will be absorbed, and the rice should be fully cooked with a lovely creamy consistency. Give everything a gentle fluff with a fork to mix the flavors lightly before plating. Your dish is ready for those delightful finishing touches.
How to Serve Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect finishing touches bring everything together and elevate your Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe to next-level deliciousness. I love topping mine with fresh cilantro leaves, creamy avocado slices, and a few jalapeno rings for some extra heat. A drizzle of the yogurt or sour cream creme adds a cooling contrast and beautiful creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the tangy lime and spicy jalapeno.
Side Dishes
This is truly a one-pan wonder that can stand on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, roasted corn, or simply some warm tortillas work beautifully. These additions add texture and freshness that complement the creamy, zesty main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish family-style in the skillet, nestled right on the table for everyone to dig in. Or plate it in shallow bowls with the rice underneath and chicken layered on top, drizzled with the remaining sauce and garnishes — it looks incredibly appetizing and makes for a truly inviting meal presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe keep very well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing so the rice remains fluffy and the flavors stay fresh.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal longer, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Be aware that the rice texture may change slightly after freezing but the flavors will remain spectacular.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it feels dry. Warming it slowly preserves the creamy sauce texture and keeps the chicken tender. Top with fresh garnishes after reheating for that fresh, vibrant finish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You absolutely can! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts are leaner and may cook faster, so watch the timing carefully to avoid drying them out. Thighs are preferred for their juiciness in this recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on how much jalapeno you include. Seeding the jalapeno keeps it mild, but leaving the seeds in adds a nice heat. The creamy sauce also balances out the spice beautifully.
Can I use brown rice instead of white basmati rice?
Yes, but because brown rice takes longer to cook, you’d need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly. White basmati rice gives the best texture for this recipe.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt or sour cream?
If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a cashew-based cream drizzle. Both add richness without overpowering the cilantro lime flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check condiment labels.
Final Thoughts
If you’re eager to impress yourself and your loved ones with a dinner that feels both comforting and exciting, the Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe is your go-to. It combines approachable ingredients with bold flavors and a lovely creamy texture that makes each bite memorable. Give it a try—I promise it will become a favorite in your recipe rotation just as it has in mine!
Print
Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice is a vibrant, comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken thighs with a zesty cilantro lime sauce, aromatic basmati rice, and sautéed vegetables. This dish offers a perfect balance of fresh flavors and creamy textures, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both easy to prepare and delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Green Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ white or yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 1 jalapeno, seeded (or leave seeds for more heat)
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro (reserve a few for topping)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup white basmati rice
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Avocado slices
- Jalapeno slices
- Greek yogurt or sour cream mixed with a little water to make a drizzleable creme
Instructions
- Make the green sauce: In a large high-powered blender or food processor, combine garlic, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, chicken broth, ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend until completely smooth. Set this sauce aside while you prepare the rest.
- Prepare skillet and brown chicken: Heat a large, deep 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and once hot, add the chicken thighs. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side until browned, then flip and brown the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced carrots and julienned red bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for a few minutes to absorb the pan flavors and slightly soften the vegetables.
- Add green sauce and rice: Pour the prepared green sauce slowly into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the white basmati rice to make sure it distributes evenly throughout the pan.
- Cook chicken and rice together: Nestle the browned chicken thighs into the sauce, pressing them slightly into the mixture. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet immediately and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Serve and garnish: After cooking, check that the rice is fully cooked and the liquid mostly absorbed. Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves, jalapeno slices, avocado slices, and a drizzle of the prepared Greek yogurt or sour cream creme for an extra creamy touch.
Notes
- For more heat, leave jalapeno seeds in or add extra jalapeno slices as garnish.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs provide more moisture and flavor.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- If you prefer, use jasmine rice or long-grain rice as a substitute for basmati rice.
