Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls Recipe

Cilantro lime chicken bowls are fresh, bright and full of flavor. This cilantro lime chicken bowls recipe is easy and fun to make. The juicy chicken, warm rice and crisp veggies taste great together.

You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner any day. Cilantro lime chicken bowls recipe meals are also great for meal prep. Learn how to make cilantro lime chicken bowls with simple steps and simple ingredients. You will love every bite.

My Experience With This Recipe

I first made this cilantro lime chicken bowls recipe on a busy weekday. I wanted something light but still filling. The smell of lime and garlic in the kitchen felt amazing.

The chicken became tender and juicy and the rice soaked up all the flavors. My family enjoyed building their own bowls, which made dinner fun. This dish quickly became one of my favorite healthy meals. I think you will enjoy it too.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
• Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Citrus juicer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs or spatula
• Rice cooker or pot
• Serving bowls

Ingredients You Need for Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls Recipe

For the chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the bowls:

• 3 cups cooked rice or brown rice
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels, cooked
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Extra cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken

Combine chicken, lime juice, zest, oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Toss well and let it rest to absorb bright flavors.

2. Preheat your skillet

Place a large skillet on medium heat. Allow it to warm evenly so the chicken sears nicely and cooks safely without sticking.

3. Cook the chicken

Add marinated chicken to hot skillet. Cook each side until golden and fully done, with clear juices and tender texture throughout.

4. Rest and slice chicken

Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest briefly. Slice it into strips across the grain to keep pieces juicy and tender.

5. Prepare the rice base

Fluff cooked rice with a fork in a bowl. Add a squeeze of lime and a little chopped cilantro for fresh aroma.

6. Warm beans and corn

Heat black beans and corn gently in a small pan. Keep heat low so they stay soft and do not dry out.

7. Assemble the bowls

Add rice to each serving bowl first. Top with chicken slices, beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado in neat colorful sections.

8. Add fresh toppings

Sprinkle extra cilantro over bowls. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top for bright taste and fresh citrus scent in every bite.

9. Adjust seasoning

Taste your bowl before serving. Add a little more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed for perfect balanced flavor.

10. Serve and enjoy

Serve bowls right away while chicken is warm. Enjoy the mix of textures, creamy avocado, tender chicken and zesty cilantro lime flavors.

Recipe Tips

• Marinate longer for deeper flavor
• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
• Add jalapeños for heat
• Use quinoa instead of rice
• Do not overcook chicken
• Chill leftovers quickly for safety

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	15g
Fiber	7g

Serving Suggestions

Cilantro lime chicken bowls recipe meals are great for family dinners or meal prep. Serve them warm with extra lime wedges and fresh salsa. You can add tortilla chips on the side for crunch.

These bowls also travel well for work lunches. The bright flavors stay fresh and lively, making each bite exciting and satisfying.

Best Sides To Serve With

• Tortilla chips and salsa
• Fresh fruit salad
• Simple green salad
• Grilled vegetables
• Cheesy quesadillas for kids

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Keep toppings like avocado separate to stay fresh. Reheat chicken, rice, beans and corn gently in the microwave until hot.

Add fresh lime juice after reheating to brighten flavor again. You can also freeze the chicken and rice without veggies for longer storage.

FAQs about Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls Recipe

1. Can I make cilantro lime chicken bowls ahead of time?
Yes, this meal is perfect for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and rice earlier, store them safely and assemble bowls later with fresh toppings when ready to eat.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work very well in this cilantro lime chicken bowls recipe. They stay juicy and tender and hold the lime and cilantro flavors beautifully during cooking and reheating.

3. Are cilantro lime chicken bowls healthy?
Yes, they are usually healthy and balanced. You get lean protein, whole grains, fiber and healthy fats from avocado, making them great for simple everyday meals.

4. What if I do not like cilantro?
You can replace cilantro with parsley or green onion. The bowls will still taste fresh and bright, but the flavor will be slightly different while still delicious and enjoyable.

5. How to make cilantro lime chicken bowls spicier?
Add chili flakes, jalapeños or a spicy sauce. You can also increase chili powder in the marinade to boost heat without changing the main flavor balance too much.

Conclusion

This cilantro lime chicken bowls recipe is fresh, colorful and very easy to make. Now you know how to make cilantro lime chicken bowls at home.

The ingredients for cilantro lime chicken bowls are simple and budget friendly. These bowls are perfect for healthy lunches, family dinners or meal prep days.

Try this recipe soon and enjoy bright lime flavor with tender chicken and creamy avocado. Your table will look beautiful and everyone will be happy.