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Fresh Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls

fresh cilantro lime chicken bowls - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe featuring juicy chicken marinated in fresh lime juice and cilantro, served over rice or quinoa with vibrant toppings for a zesty, comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 packed cup (about 30 grams) fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • Juice of 2 large limes (about 3 tablespoons or 45 ml)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup cooked or canned black beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • 1 small fresh jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by mixing lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
  2. Add chicken to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
  3. Cook rice or quinoa according to package directions while the chicken marinates.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken (discard leftover marinade) and cook 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is golden brown.
  5. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  6. Prepare toppings: dice tomatoes, chop red onion, slice avocado, mince jalapeño, and rinse black beans.
  7. Assemble bowls by dividing cooked rice or quinoa among 4 bowls, topping with sliced chicken, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and jalapeño. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
  8. Squeeze additional fresh lime juice over bowls before serving. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes for best flavor; resting chicken after cooking keeps it juicy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear. Use cooked rotisserie chicken as a shortcut by tossing it briefly in the marinade. For low-carb, swap rice for cauliflower rice. Add extra jalapeños or cayenne for more heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, chicken bowls, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken bowl, weeknight dinner, zesty chicken, fresh cilantro, lime chicken

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/fresh-cilantro-lime-chicken-bowls-recipe-easy-zesty-dinner-idea/