Pan-Seared Chicken with Chili Lime Glaze and Cilantro Rice
Juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, glazed with a tangy chili lime sauce, served atop fragrant cilantro-lime rice. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tsp lime zest
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and 2 cups water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder on both sides.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1 tbsp honey until combined. Pour the chili lime glaze over the chicken in the last 2 minutes of cooking and spoon it over the chicken as it cooks, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Step 5: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and 1 tsp lime zest for a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Step 6: Serve the glazed chicken breasts over the cilantro lime rice, spooning any remaining glaze from the pan over the top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Chili Lime Glaze and Cilantro Rice take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Chili Lime Glaze and 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Chili Lime Glaze and 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Chili Lime Glaze and Cilantro Rice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Chili Lime Glaze and 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.
