If your weeknights feel like a whirlwind of work, errands, and “What’s for dinner?” dread, let me introduce you to your new best friend: the Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Bowl. Bursting with flavor, color, and wholesome ingredients, this is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re winning at life—even if you’re still in your yoga pants at 7 p.m.
Quick, satisfying, and ridiculously easy to pull off, this bowl is proof that you don’t need fancy skills or hours in the kitchen to feed your people (or yourself) something truly delicious.
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Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Bowl
This bowl is basically a fiesta in your mouth—with zero cleanup drama. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, hopping between Zoom calls, or just need something that feels like takeout (without the soggy fries), this Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Bowl checks all the boxes:
- Fresh and flavorful
- 30-minute start-to-finish
- Packed with protein and fiber (hello, black beans!)
- Totally customizable (picky eaters, we see you!)
And let’s be real—when lime, avocado, and grilled chicken join forces? That’s dinner magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Rice
- 1 ½ cups basmati rice
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp. olive oil
For the Cilantro-Lime Aioli
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 Tbsp. minced jalapeño
- 1 ½ tsp. fresh lime juice
- ⅛ tsp. garlic powder
- Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
For the Bowl
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 3 cups Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken Breast Strips
- 2 cups corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
- 1 ½ tsp. taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
How to Make This Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Bowl
Step 1: Cook That Fluffy Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, 1¾ cups of water, and ½ tsp. salt. Bring it to a boil, cover it, and reduce the heat. Simmer on medium-low for about 17 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Then let it rest (like we all wish we could).
Fluff with a fork and stir in cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. It’s bright, it’s fresh, and it’s the kind of rice you could eat straight from the pot. No judgment.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cilantro-Lime Aioli
In a bowl, mix together mayo, chopped cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, garlic powder, and a splash (2 tsp.) of water. Season with salt and pepper. Taste it. Dance a little. This sauce brings the zing.
Step 3: Warm the Chicken
Heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken Breast Strips and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes or until warmed through.
Pro tip: These strips are fully cooked, which means dinner’s practically done before you start.
Step 4: Sauté the Corn
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the corn. Sprinkle on the taco seasoning and cook for about 3-4 minutes until just charred. It’s like summer in a skillet.
Let’s Build That Bowl!
Start with a generous scoop of that cilantro-lime rice. Top with chicken, corn, black beans, sliced avocado, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Drizzle that creamy aioli like a pro. Garnish with extra cilantro if you’re feeling fancy.
Dinner’s ready. And it didn’t even require a trip to the drive-thru.
Tips & Tricks from My Kitchen
- No jalapeño? No problem. Swap it for a dash of hot sauce or skip it if your family’s spice tolerance is “ketchup is spicy.”
- Meal prep magic: Make a double batch of rice and aioli to have lunch ready for days. This bowl holds up beautifully.
- Swap the protein: Try grilled shrimp or even roasted chickpeas for a fun twist.
- Go low-carb: Serve the toppings over cauliflower rice or a bed of greens.
A Little Story Behind the Bowl…
This Cilantro Lime Chicken anf Rice Bowl has become a regular in our household, especially on nights when I need to feed a crowd fast. One night after soccer practice, my son declared, “This tastes like Chipotle but better!” and I just about cried into my aioli. That’s a mom win, right there.
FAQs: Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Bowl Edition
Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?
Yes! Just adjust the cooking time—brown rice takes a bit longer and needs a bit more water. But it’s a great high-fiber swap.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the components in separate containers in the fridge. The aioli will keep for up to 5 days, and the rest makes for awesome lunch bowls.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Totally! Just use a dairy-free mayo for the aioli, and the rest of the bowl is naturally dairy-free.
Conclusion
Let’s be honest—this Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Bowl might just become your weekday MVP. It’s colorful, crave-worthy, and comforting without being heavy. Whether you’re cooking for the fam or just treating yourself after a long day, this bowl brings the flavor and the feel-good vibes. Give it a try tonight—and maybe stash some away before everyone comes back for seconds.
Happy cooking, friends 💚
Discover More Flavorful Bowls and Grilled Chicken Favorites
If this Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Bowl hit the spot, you’re in for a treat—because the magic doesn’t stop here! Whether you’re craving something smoky, spicy, or a little sweet, there’s a treasure trove of chicken-packed inspiration waiting for you. Check out these reader-favorite recipes that pair beautifully with tonight’s bowl or are perfect for planning your next quick-and-tasty dinner:
- Love the zesty flavors? You’ll swoon over this Hot Honey Chicken Bowl—it’s sweet, spicy, and totally satisfying.
- For a grilled twist on Tex-Mex, don’t miss the Blackstone Chicken Fajita Quesadillas—they’re melty, smoky, and weeknight-friendly.
- Want a restaurant-style upgrade? Try this Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken Copycat—it’s bold, cheesy, and bursting with limey goodness.
- And if you’re into flavor-packed power bowls, the Blackened Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls are a must-make for busy, health-conscious foodies.
Trust me, once you start exploring these vibrant and delicious chicken creations, you’ll never run out of reasons to stay inspired in the kitchen. Keep the flavor train rolling, friend! 🥣🔥
Print
Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice Bowl is a zesty, satisfying meal made in just 30 minutes! Packed with grilled chicken, avocado, lime, and a creamy cilantro aioli, it’s the perfect quick and healthy dinner the whole family will love
Ingredients
For the Rice:
1 ½ cups basmati rice
½ tsp. kosher salt
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. olive oil
For the Cilantro-Lime Aioli:
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 Tbsp. minced jalapeño
1 ½ tsp. fresh lime juice
⅛ tsp. garlic powder
Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
For the Bowl:
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 cups Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken Breast Strips
2 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
1 ½ tsp. taco seasoning
1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 avocado, sliced
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
Lime wedges, for garnish
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, 1¾ cups water, and ½ tsp. salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 17 minutes or until tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork, then stir in cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. Set aside.
Make the Aioli: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, garlic powder, and 2 tsp. water. Season with salt and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
Heat the Chicken: In a nonstick skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken strips and cook, tossing occasionally, until warmed through—about 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Corn: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil (if needed) and corn. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly charred.
Assemble the Bowl: Layer the rice into serving bowls. Top with grilled chicken, seasoned corn, black beans, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and lime wedges. Drizzle with cilantro-lime aioli and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Feel free to substitute brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa.
Make it vegetarian by swapping chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
Store ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 3 days for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg