Looking for a quick and tantalizing dinner that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico? Say hello to One Pot Lime Chicken Rice, a zesty and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken thighs, fragrant rice, and the bright flavor of lime—all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup! In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this delightful recipe that serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Get ready to impress with this vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavor and simplicity—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the chicken thighs are boneless and skinless, and the rice is rinsed under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and cumin. Push the sautéed onions and garlic to the side of the pot and add the chicken thighs. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 5 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through.
- Once the chicken is browned, add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring well to combine it with the onions, garlic, and chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the lime juice and zest. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- After the cooking time is complete, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This will help the rice finish cooking and absorb any remaining moisture.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and gently stir in the chicken. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, garnish with fresh cilantro and additional lime wedges if desired. Enjoy your One Pot Lime Chicken Rice!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your onion and mince your garlic in advance. You can even season the chicken thighs the night before for an extra flavor boost!
- Rinse the Rice: Always rinse your long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Browning the chicken and softening the onions and garlic adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a little kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the pot sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb any remaining moisture, ensuring a perfect texture.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges not only add color but also enhance the dish's flavor. Don’t be shy with the garnishes!
- Leftovers Delight: This dish keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. Reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.Enjoy your cooking adventure with this One Pot Lime Chicken Rice recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
