Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Spiced Rice and Beans

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

Juicy chicken marinated in cilantro and lime served alongside flavorful spiced rice and black beans, bringing a wholesome Latin American feast to your table. This latin american ready in about 70 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh cilantro, chopped, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 40 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, sauté 1/2 cup diced onion in 1 tbsp olive oil for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat the grains.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans into the cooked rice, cover, and let steam on low for 5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked and juices run clear.
  7. Step 7: Serve the cilantro-lime chicken on a bed of spiced rice and beans, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Spiced Rice and Beans take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 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 Chicken with Spiced Rice and Beans?

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 fresh cilantro, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Spiced Rice and Beans?

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 Chicken with Spiced Rice and Beans 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 Chicken with Spiced Rice and Beans?

Latin American latin american 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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