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Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Bowls

A bright, weeknight-friendly bowl that comes together with simple pantry staples. Juicy cilantro-lime chicken tops fluffy rice, tangy avocado, crisp veggies, and a zesty finish. It’s nourishing, versatile, and easy to customize for different tastes, making a comforting meal that still feels special.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup white rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Pat the chicken dry and slice into even strips or bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Zest half of the lime and set the zest aside for the rice and chicken glaze, then juice the lime and reserve 1 tablespoon for the yogurt sauce.
  • Sauté the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. While the chicken cooks, start the rice: bring the broth or water to a boil, stir in the rice, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook according to package directions until fluffy.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lime juice, a pinch of lime zest, and salt and pepper to taste. This will be your creamy, bright sauce to drizzle over the bowls.
  • Prepare the veggie toppings: dice cucumber, halve tomatoes, slice green onions, and cut avocado. Toss the cucumber and tomatoes with a quick pinch of salt and a splash of lime juice to keep them crisp and flavorful.
  • Assemble each bowl: create a bed of rice, arrange the chicken, and pile on the veggies. Drizzle the yogurt lime sauce over the top and finish with cilantro and lime zest for a fresh, vibrant finish.