Grilled Riverwalk Citrus Chicken with Cilantro Lime Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken marinated in fresh citrus and herbs served atop fragrant cilantro lime rice, inspired by the vibrant flavors of San Antonio. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs orange juice, lime 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: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk together to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) into a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
  3. Step 3: Rinse 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
  4. Step 4: While rice cooks, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in 1 tsp lime zest, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp chopped green onions. Season with salt if needed.
  6. Step 6: Serve each grilled chicken breast atop a bed of cilantro lime rice, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 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 Grilled Riverwalk Citrus Chicken with Cilantro Lime 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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Riverwalk Citrus Chicken with Cilantro Lime 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 Riverwalk Citrus Chicken with Cilantro Lime 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 Riverwalk Citrus Chicken with Cilantro Lime 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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