One Pan Chili Lime Chicken & Rice

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One-Pan Chili Lime Chicken & Rice: Bold, Zesty & Flavor-Packed

This One-Pan Chili Lime Chicken & Rice is a flavor-packed, zesty dish that combines juicy, seasoned chicken thighs with aromatic, spiced rice, all cooked together in one skillet for easy cleanup. The chili-lime marinade gives the chicken a perfect balance of spice and tang, making this a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes, less mess!
✔ Bold & Zesty Flavor – The perfect balance of chili heat & citrus brightness.
✔ Juicy Chicken & Flavorful Rice – All cooked together for maximum taste.
✔ Easy & Meal-Prep Friendly – Great for leftovers and reheating.
✔ Customizable – Use chicken breasts, shrimp, or tofu instead!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless skinless for a lighter option)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Juice & zest of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Rice:

  • 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine works best)
  • 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup diced bell pepper
  • ½ small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

How to Make One-Pan Chili Lime Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, lime juice, and zest.
  2. Rub the mixture all over the chicken and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear chicken skin-side down for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes.
  3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

  1. In the same pan, add onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for 2 minutes.
  2. Stir in rice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Cook for 1 minute.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and lime juice, stirring to combine.

Step 4: Simmer & Finish

  1. Place the seared chicken on top of the rice.
  2. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, until the rice is tender.
  3. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Fluff the rice and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

🌮 With Warm Tortillas – Turn it into taco-style chicken & rice bowls.
🥑 With Avocado & Sour Cream – Adds a cool, creamy balance.
🥗 With a Fresh Salad – Lighten up the meal with crisp greens.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Warm in a pan with a splash of broth or microwave for 2 minutes.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

This One-Pan Chili Lime Chicken & Rice is a bold, comforting, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s easy to make, easy to clean up, and perfect for any night of the week. The zesty lime and smoky chili flavors create a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour!

Try it today and enjoy a spicy, tangy, and satisfying dinner!

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