Sautéed Chicken with Cilantro Lime Rice
Tender chicken breasts sautéed with garlic and lime zest served over fragrant cilantro lime rice for a refreshing and vibrant meal. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breast, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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) chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup of long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until the water is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Step 2: While the rice cooks, pat dry 2 pieces (6 oz each) of chicken breast and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lime zest. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sauté for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). In the last minute, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp lime juice. Plate the rice and top with sliced chicken breasts.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Cilantro Lime 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 Sautéed 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 (6 oz each) chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed 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 Sautéed Chicken with Cilantro Lime 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 Sautéed Chicken with Cilantro Lime 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.
