Tomato Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice

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

Pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a vibrant tomato lime sauce served over fluffy cilantro-infused rice for a bright, fresh dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, divided salt, divided black pepper 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices, 1 cup chicken broth, and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken breasts to skillet, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, cook 1 cup rinsed white rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with fork and stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro.
  7. Step 7: Serve chicken over cilantro rice, spooning tomato lime sauce on top. Garnish with remaining 2 tbsp cilantro and 2 thinly sliced green onions.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato 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 Tomato 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 Tomato 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 Tomato 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 Tomato Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice?

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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