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Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls Recipe

Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls Recipe

Sara Collins
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.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

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
 

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.

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.

Cook the chicken

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

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.

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.

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.

Assemble the bowls

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

Add fresh toppings

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

Adjust seasoning

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

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.

Notes

  • 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
Keyword Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls Recipe