Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful fusion of flavors in our Coriander Chicken with Cilantro Rice! This mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish brings together succulent chicken breasts seasoned with aromatic ground coriander and served atop a bed of fluffy, zesty cilantro rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also bursting with vibrant flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the breasts dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better browning.
- In a small bowl, mix ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Generously coat each chicken breast with the spice mixture, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan.
- Cook the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have a golden-brown crust and be completely cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice. In a medium saucepan, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Once rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt to taste.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice the chicken breasts against the grain and serve over the cilantro rice. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for a couple of hours or overnight. This enhances the flavor and makes the chicken even more tender.
- Perfect Browning: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good sear locks in juices and gives the chicken a delicious golden crust.
- Rice Cooking: For extra flavor, consider toasting the rice in the skillet with a little olive oil before adding the chicken broth. This adds a nutty taste to your rice.
- Freshness is Key: Use fresh cilantro and lime juice for the rice to elevate the dish. The freshness makes a significant difference in flavor.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Garnish for Appeal: Don’t skip the garnish! A sprinkle of extra cilantro and a lime wedge on the side not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the dish’s freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
