If you’re craving a dinner that feels both luxuriously comforting and zesty fresh, Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice absolutely delivers! This all-in-one skillet recipe blends juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a sauce that’s lusciously creamy with a fireworks finale of lime and cilantro. Each bite is perfectly balanced, from the subtle warmth of spices to the cooling, tangy creaminess, making it an instant family favorite for any night of the week.

Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of ingredients—each one pulling its weight in flavor—create a dish that tastes like far more than the sum of its parts. Every element brings something to the table, whether it’s color, creaminess, or that little spark of citrus.

Chicken thighs or breasts: These are the protein powerhouse of the dish, becoming oh-so-juicy when cooked in the rice.
Olive oil: Gives your chicken a golden sear and adds richness to the rice.
Garlic powder: An easy way to layer in savory, mellow garlicky flavor without the fuss of mincing cloves.
Cumin: Brings a warm, earthy note that harmonizes beautifully with the lime.
Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and lovely color to the chicken.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for bringing all the other flavors into focus.
Long-grain white rice: Absorbs all those flavorful juices while staying light and fluffy.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice and chicken with deep savory goodness.
Heavy cream: Delivers the creamy backbone to this dreamy one-pan dish.
Lime (juice & zest): Brings a burst of brightness that cuts through the richness and makes everything sing.
Fresh cilantro: Adds a pop of green and unmistakable fresh, herbal flavor.
Parmesan cheese (optional): A sneaky little tip for deepening the creaminess and adding a subtle nutty edge.
Lime wedges (for serving): Let everyone squeeze on extra tanginess just the way they like it.

How to Make Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Start by stirring together your garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this bold, aromatic blend evenly onto both sides of your chicken pieces. Not only does this layer the meat with immediate flavor, but these spices seep in for maximum deliciousness as the chicken cooks.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat your olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once shimmering hot, glide in the chicken and sear for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Look for a lovely golden-brown crust—that color means flavor! Remove chicken from the pan and set aside, but don’t clean the skillet; those gorgeous brown bits are liquid gold for the next step.

Step 3: Toast and Simmer Rice

Add the rice directly into the same skillet, letting it toast for a minute or two. This step unlocks subtle nutty notes and helps the rice maintain a pleasant bite. Pour in the chicken broth and gently stir to loosen up any stuck-on spices or browned bits, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Nestle and Steam

Carefully tuck the browned chicken right into the simmering rice. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let everything cook together for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will become tender and deeply infused with chicken flavor, while the chicken gently cooks through—no dry chicken here!

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Zesty

Once the chicken and rice are cooked, transfer the chicken back out of the pan for just a moment. Stir in the heavy cream, lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and Parmesan cheese (if using). This is when the magic happens: the sauce turns creamy, fragrant, and just tangy enough to make your taste buds dance. Slip the chicken right back into the pan and spoon that luscious rice all over the top before you serve.

How to Serve Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

Sprinkle the finished dish with extra chopped cilantro for a final burst of freshness, and be generous with the lime wedges—everyone loves to squeeze on that extra shot of brightness just before digging in. If you went the Parmesan route, a last dusting gives an irresistible finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This hearty skillet basically stands on its own, but a crisp green salad or some chili-lime roasted veggies on the side can beautifully complement the flavors and add a little crunch. Warm tortillas are always a welcome addition to scoop up saucy rice and bits of chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice family-style in the skillet—let everyone help themselves for an easy, relaxed dinner. For a dinner party, try plating a chicken thigh over a neat mound of creamy rice, topping with cilantro, and nestling in a lime wedge for a restaurant-worthy look. Leftovers make fantastic burrito or taco fillings too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer the remaining Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice into airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours to keep everything fresh. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days—the flavors only deepen as they meld together overnight!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions for later, let everything cool completely before spooning into freezer-safe containers. Be aware that the creaminess might fade just a bit after thawing, but a little extra splash of cream or broth during reheating brings it right back to life. Freeze for up to 2 months for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of broth, milk, or water to keep things from drying out, then gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir from time to time, and don’t forget to squeeze on extra lime and scatter fresh cilantro before serving to revive that signature zing.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a lovely nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just remember, it takes a bit longer to cook (about 40-45 minutes), so adjust your liquid as needed and check doneness before serving.

What’s the best chicken cut for Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice?

Both chicken thighs and breasts work beautifully. Thighs will give you extra juiciness and flavor, while breasts are a lighter option that stay tender thanks to the creamy sauce. Use what you love or have on hand!

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the heavy cream for creamy coconut milk and skip the Parmesan cheese. The result is still luxuriously creamy with a little added tropical flavor—a twist worth exploring.

How spicy is this recipe?

This dish is flavorful, not spicy. If you want a kick, add a pinch of cayenne or serve with hot sauce on the side. It’s super family-friendly, so you can always customize heat to taste.

Is Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice really a one-pan meal?

It sure is! Everything cooks in one large skillet or sauté pan, so you can enjoy incredible depth of flavor without a mountain of dishes. Less cleanup means more time to savor your delicious dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s as easy as it is impressive, Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice is impossible to beat. With a dreamy sauce, punchy lime and endless weeknight appeal, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again—give it a try and see how quickly it wins over your table!

Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice is a flavorful one-pot meal that is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Tender chicken cooked in a creamy cilantro lime sauce served over aromatic rice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
juice and zest of 1 lime
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Mix garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over both sides of the chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Sear the chicken in olive oil until browned. Remove from the pan.
Prepare the Rice: Toast rice in the skillet, then add chicken broth and simmer. Return chicken to the skillet and cook covered until rice is tender.
Finish the Dish: Stir in heavy cream, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, and Parmesan. Return chicken to the pan and spoon rice over the top.
Serve: Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
You can add baby spinach or peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired