Garcia's Spiced Chicken with Citrus Cilantro Rice

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

A vibrant dish featuring marinated chicken and fragrant rice with zesty citrus notes. This Latin American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs boneless chicken breasts, ground cumin, ground coriander 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 lb boneless chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2-inch thickness. In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, then rub evenly over chicken.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 3 cups cooked white rice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper in a bowl, gently folding until well mixed.
  4. Step 4: Slice rested chicken and serve over rice mixture, garnished with additional cilantro and 4 lime wedges, with 1 medium diced avocado on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garcia's Spiced Chicken with Citrus Cilantro Rice take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Garcia's Spiced Chicken with Citrus Cilantro Rice?

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 boneless chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garcia's Spiced Chicken with Citrus Cilantro Rice?

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 Garcia's Spiced Chicken with Citrus Cilantro Rice 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 Garcia's Spiced Chicken with Citrus Cilantro Rice?

Latin American 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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