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Mixing basic ingredients for a tasty dinner, this One Pan Chili Lime Chicken and Rice blends tangy seasonings with juicy chicken and fluffy rice. This meal takes just half an hour and shows that yummy food doesn't need to be fancy.
After many dinners with my family, I've learned that getting the chicken nice and brown first makes everything taste better. The spices work their way into both the meat and rice, so every mouthful is packed with flavor.
Key Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts: Flattened so they cook evenly
- Jasmine rice: Makes a soft, tasty foundation
- Chili powder: Gives a warm, rich kick
- Fresh lime: Brings zingy citrus flavor
- Chicken broth: Helps rice cook perfectly
- Fresh cilantro: Adds freshness at the end
Step-By-Step Guide
- Getting Chicken Ready
- Dry chicken breasts with paper towels, Flatten to ½-inch thickness, Combine all spices in bowl, Rub half the spices on chicken, Keep leftover spices for the rice
- First Cooking Stage
- Warm large skillet on medium-high, Add oil and wait till it shines, Add chicken with seasonings, Brown for 3-4 minutes each side, Set chicken aside on clean plate
- Handling the Rice
- Put rice into the same pan, Mix in leftover spice blend, Add the chicken broth, Squeeze in fresh lime juice, Mix everything well
- Completing the Dish
- Put chicken back on top of rice, Cover pan tightly, Turn heat to medium-low, Let cook for 20-25 minutes without peeking, Make sure rice is soft and liquid's gone
- Last Steps
- Keep covered for 5 minutes after cooking, Stir rice gently with fork, Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top, Add extra lime juice if wanted, Serve hot
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Keeping Leftovers
Keep in sealed containers for 5 days, Freeze chicken apart from rice, Warm up slowly to keep it juicy, Great for making ahead for busy days
To wrap up: This One Pan Chili Lime Chicken and Rice shows you can make quick meals that still taste amazing. The mix of tangy seasonings, juicy chicken, and soft rice makes a filling dinner your whole family will ask for again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is brown rice a good substitute?
- It’s doable, but brown rice takes longer—plan for an extra 15-20 minutes of cooking and toss in more broth since it needs extra liquid.
- → Which pan works best?
- Go for a roomy non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned pan with a tight lid. These keep the rice from sticking and cook everything evenly.
- → How can I make it spicier?
- Turn up the heat with extra cayenne or toss in diced jalapeños when cooking the rice. Customize it to your spice level!
- → Can I prep parts of this early?
- Sure! Mix your spices ahead of time and stash them away. But for the best texture, make the whole dish fresh.
- → Why should I flatten the chicken?
- Flattening helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps it tender. Skip this if you’re using thighs since they cook more evenly already.