Grilled Citrus-Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in zesty lime and citrus, paired with fluffy cilantro-lime rice for a fresh, vibrant meal. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs fresh lime juice, orange juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 25 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil, add the rice, and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 minutes until the rice is tender and water absorbed.
  3. Step 3: Remove rice from heat and stir in 1 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tsp lime zest. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve alongside cilantro-lime rice for a vibrant, citrus-infused dinner.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (40 min prep + 25 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 Grilled Citrus-Lime Chicken with 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 fresh lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Lime Chicken with 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 Grilled Citrus-Lime Chicken with 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 Grilled Citrus-Lime Chicken with 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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