Stovetop Honey-Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice

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

Tender chicken breasts glazed with a honey-lime sauce served atop fluffy cilantro-lime rice for a bright and satisfying meal. This latin american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, honey, freshly squeezed lime juice 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 2 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
  2. Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Add chicken to skillet and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
  4. Step 4: Pour honey-lime sauce over cooked chicken in the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook an additional 2 minutes, spooning sauce over chicken until glaze thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Once rice is done, fluff with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp lime zest, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Serve each chicken breast atop a bed of cilantro-lime rice, spooning extra honey-lime sauce from the skillet over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Honey-Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Stovetop Honey-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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Honey-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 Stovetop Honey-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.

Is Stovetop Honey-Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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