Grilled Garlic-Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in garlic and lime served alongside fluffy cilantro-infused rice for a bright, fresh meal. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs fresh lime juice, garlic cloves, minced, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: While chicken marinates, rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and water absorbed.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 4: Once rice is cooked, stir in 1 tbsp butter and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Fluff rice gently with a fork.
- Step 5: Serve grilled chicken atop the cilantro rice, garnishing with additional lime wedges if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Garlic-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 Garlic-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 Garlic-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 Garlic-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 Garlic-Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice?
Mexican 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.
