Cilantro-Lime Arroz con Pollo

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant one-pot chicken and rice dish infused with fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and aromatic sofrito, perfect for weeknight dinners. This puerto rican-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs ounces chicken thighs, chicken broth, long-grain rice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 12 ounces boneless chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup long-grain rice, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a rolling boil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Remove lid, fluff rice with a fork, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and the juice of 1 lime until well combined and fragrant.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Arroz con Pollo take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cilantro-Lime Arroz con Pollo?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ounces chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Arroz con Pollo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cilantro-Lime Arroz con Pollo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cilantro-Lime Arroz con Pollo?

Puerto Rican chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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