Sizzling Chipotle Lime Chicken & Rice Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crunch into a zesty chipotle lime chicken & rice bowl that dances with bold southwestern flavors.

Smoky peppers blend seamlessly with bright citrus notes, creating a meal that sparks excitement.

Weeknight dinners need serious upgrading, and this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Lime’s tangy punch cuts through rich chicken, while chipotle adds a slow-burning warmth.

Colorful ingredients promise a feast for both eyes and palate.

Spice lovers will celebrate this culinary adventure that brings restaurant-quality excitement straight to your kitchen.

Ready to experience a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary?

Chicken and Rice Mix in Chipotle Lime Bowl

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender protein base for the main dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Chicken Broth: Adds rich flavor and moisture to the rice, low-sodium options work well.

• Chipotle in Adobo Sauce, Chili Powder: Provides smoky and spicy flavor profile, can adjust heat level.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic essence without fresh garlic texture.
• Cumin: Brings warm, earthy undertones to the seasoning blend.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Creates golden sear and prevents chicken from sticking to the pan.
• Lime Juice: Bright, citrusy element that adds freshness to both chicken and rice.
• Cilantro: Provides herbal, clean flavor and vibrant green garnish, optional for those who enjoy the herb.

• White Rice: Neutral base that absorbs seasonings and complements the spiced chicken.

Chipotle Lime Chicken & Rice Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Craft Fiery Marinade

• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Fresh lime juice
• Garlic powder
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage this vibrant mixture thoroughly over chicken breasts, ensuring every inch gets coated with spicy goodness.

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place marinated chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side.

Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.

The chicken should develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior with tantalizing charred edges.

Step 3: Prepare Fluffy Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine rice with chicken broth.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and let simmer quietly for 15-18 minutes until rice transforms into tender, fluffy perfection with all liquid absorbed.

Step 4: Elevate Rice Flavor

• Fresh lime juice
• Chopped cilantro

Gently fold ingredients to distribute zesty flavors evenly.

Step 5: Create Delicious Plate

Arrange rice as a beautiful foundation, then nestle perfectly cooked chicken on top.

Garnish with additional cilantro leaves, lime wedges, or your preferred toppings for a restaurant-quality meal that bursts with southwestern flair.

Chicken & Rice Tips With Chipotle Lime Pop

• Let the chicken sit in the chipotle-lime marinade for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the depth of taste and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F without overcooking, keeping the meat juicy and perfectly cooked.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier, more separated grains that absorb flavors better.
• Adjust the amount of chipotle or chili powder to control the spiciness, making the dish mild or extra hot according to your preference.
• Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or black beans for a versatile recipe that works for different dietary needs and protein choices.

Chicken and Rice With Lime That Keeps Fresh

• Store leftover chicken and rice in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in freezer bags or containers. Frozen meals maintain quality for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm chicken in the microwave at 50% power to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water on rice before microwaving. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Flavorful Complements For Lime Chicken

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Classic lime margaritas perfectly complement the chipotle and lime flavors in the chicken, creating a vibrant Mexican-inspired dining experience with tangy and spicy notes.
• Create Fresh Salsa Side: Prepare a quick fresh tomato and avocado salsa with additional cilantro to enhance the dish's bright citrus and smoky elements, adding texture and complementary flavors.
• Select Crisp White Wine: Choose a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that cuts through the dish's spiciness and matches the lime's acidity, providing a refreshing counterbalance to the bold chicken.
• Add Cool Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light cucumber salad with red onions and a light vinaigrette to provide a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, spicy chicken, balancing the meal's intense flavors.

Chipotle Lime Chicken & Rice Ideas

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free alternatives like tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add fresh diced jalapeños to the marinade for an extra kick of heat and incorporate chopped peppers directly into the rice for enhanced spiciness.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the original recipe's flavor profile and nutritional balance.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using identical seasoning blend and cooking method to create a plant-based protein version that maintains the recipe's bold southwestern-inspired taste.

FAQs

• What gives this chicken its unique flavor profile?

The combination of chipotle in adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder creates a bold, smoky-tangy marinade that infuses the chicken with complex, vibrant flavors.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of chipotle or chili powder. If you prefer mild, use less; for more heat, increase the spices or add extra chipotle sauce.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier, though cooking time might need slight adjustment based on their thickness.

• Do I need any special cooking equipment?

No special equipment is required. A large skillet for cooking chicken and a medium saucepan for rice are all you’ll need to make this delicious meal.

Chipotle Lime Chicken With Rice That Packs A Zing

• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a quick, satisfying dinner.
• Flavor Explosion: Chipotle and lime create a zesty, bold taste that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Simple one-pan technique and straightforward ingredients make this recipe foolproof for home cooks of all skill levels, guaranteeing cooking success every time.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra toppings like avocado, salsa, or sour cream to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Chipotle Lime Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty chipotle lime chicken & rice brings Mexican-inspired flavors dancing across your plate with smoky, tangy flair. Crisp chicken, fluffy rice, and bold seasonings create a perfect meal guaranteed to satisfy hungry dinner crowds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce (or chipotle chili powder for a milder option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together chipotle sauce, lime essence, aromatic spices, and seasonings in a mixing vessel until thoroughly blended.
2. Generously massage the vibrant marinade across chicken surfaces, ensuring complete and even coating for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil over robust medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for the marinated poultry.
4. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the heated pan, allowing each side to caramelize and cook thoroughly for approximately 6-7 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until reaching 165°F.
5. Simultaneously prepare rice by combining grains with savory chicken broth in a separate saucepan, bringing liquid to a vigorous boil before reducing heat.
6. Cover rice and allow gentle simmering for 15-18 minutes, permitting grains to absorb liquid and achieve tender perfection.
7. Once rice completes cooking, elevate its flavor profile by gently folding in fresh lime juice and finely chopped cilantro.
8. Plate the succulent chicken atop the aromatic rice, creating an enticing presentation garnished with additional cilantro sprigs and bright lime wedges.

Notes

• Adjust the spice level by using less chipotle in adobo or chili powder for a milder flavor that suits sensitive palates.
• Create a gluten-free version by ensuring your chicken broth and spices are certified gluten-free, making this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Meal prep this dish by cooking extra chicken and rice, which can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and quickly reheated for easy lunches or dinners.
• Boost protein content by adding black beans or grilled corn to the rice, transforming this dish into a more substantial and nutritionally balanced meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg