Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe

The Green Chicken and Rice Skillet is like the perfect cozy hug in a pan—vibrant, deeply flavorful, and delightfully simple. Inspired by Arroz con Pollo Verde, this one-pan wonder brings together juicy chicken, fragrant herby rice, and a punchy green sauce for a meal that’s as eye-catching as it is comforting.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to pull off this gorgeous Green Chicken and Rice Skillet, and each one is thoughtfully chosen to contribute big flavor or pop-of-color freshness. Here’s how each element plays a vital role in making this meal shine.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and forgiving—perfect for sautéing and soaking up all that herby green sauce.
• Olive Oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing the veggies, giving everything a delicious backdrop of richness.
• Garlic & Onion: The foundational aromatics that start building irresistible depth in the sauce.
• Jalapeño: Adds a subtle kick (or more, depending on if you include the seeds), balancing earthiness with gentle heat.
• Fresh Cilantro: The heart of the “verde”—gives sauce its signature color and peppery brightness.
• Lime Juice: For that zippy, citrusy lift that wakes up the entire skillet.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The flavor base that keeps rice moist and infuses the dish with savory notes.
• Ground Cumin: Adds background warmth and subtle smokiness to the sauce.
• White Basmati Rice: Fluffy, aromatic, and quick-cooking—soaks up every bit of green sauce.
• Carrots & Red Bell Pepper: Sweet, colorful, and tender-crisp for extra flavor and crunch.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season generously for balanced flavors all the way through.
• Suggested Garnishes (Cilantro, Avocado, Jalapeño, Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream): For that extra flair and creamy finish on top.

Variations

This Green Chicken and Rice Skillet is as flexible as your cravings—swap out veggies, adjust the heat, or play with protein for something that’s totally yours. Here are some of my favorite ways to mix it up!

• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice in place of basmati for a lighter, grain-free version that cooks even faster.
• Mild Version: Remove the jalapeño seeds (or skip the pepper altogether) for a flavor-packed but totally gentle skillet.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the chicken with a mix of canned chickpeas and extra veggies for a plant-powered take.
• Mix Up Your Veggies: Try zucchini, peas, or spinach—whatever you find in your fridge or have on hand works beautifully here.
• Go Extra Herby: Add fresh parsley or a little basil to the green sauce for a subtle flavor switch and garden-fresh aroma.

How to Make Green Chicken and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Make the Vibrant Green Sauce

Add the garlic, onion, jalapeño, fresh cilantro, lime juice, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and a grind of pepper to your blender or food processor. Blitz until the mixture is completely smooth and brilliantly green—this sauce is the flavor backbone that sets your Green Chicken and Rice Skillet apart!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat a generous swirl of olive oil in a deep, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Pat your chicken thighs dry, season well with salt and pepper, and sear them until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove to a plate—they’ll go back in to finish cooking later.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in your sliced carrots and red bell pepper. Sauté for a few minutes so they can pick up those flavorful brown bits from the chicken and start to soften but still stay a little crisp.

Step 4: Add Sauce, Rice, and Chicken

Slowly pour your green sauce into the skillet, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer, then fold in the white basmati rice, stirring to distribute everything evenly. Nestle the browned chicken thighs back in, letting them settle into the sauce and rice bed.

Step 5: Cover and Cook

Let the pan come to a simmer, then immediately drop the heat to low and cover tightly. Cook for 20-25 minutes undisturbed—most of the liquid will absorb, and the rice will come out fluffy and flavorful, infused with that bright green sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Serve your Green Chicken and Rice Skillet hot from the pan! Shower with reserved cilantro, arrange avocado and jalapeño slices on top, and drizzle with a creamy swoosh of Greek yogurt or sour cream whisked with water for a cheffy finish.

How to Serve Green Chicken and Rice Skillet

Garnishes

For a dish so lively, the right finishing touches matter—shower the Green Chicken and Rice Skillet generously with fresh cilantro, fan creamy avocado slices over the top, and add extra jalapeños if you dare. A cooling drizzle of Greek yogurt or sour cream (thinned with a little water) makes every bite dreamy.

Side Dishes

Honestly, this skillet is a one-pan meal all on its own, but if you’re feeling extra, serve it with warm flour or corn tortillas for scooping, or a simple green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette to keep things fresh and light.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling your Green Chicken and Rice Skillet high in a big rustic serving dish for family-style dining, or serve individual portions in colorful bowls, topped with garnishes and an extra wedge of lime. For parties, it even makes a stunning filling for handheld lettuce cups or taco shells!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Green Chicken and Rice Skillet keeps beautifully! Cool leftovers completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. That vibrant flavor only gets better as it rests (hello, easy next-day lunches!).

Freezing

This skillet is freezer-friendly: portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating. The rice might get a touch softer, but flavors remain bold and satisfying.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in one-minute intervals, fluffing the rice in between for even warmth. Finish with extra lime and fresh garnishes if you like!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s as easy and rewarding as it is show-stopping, the Green Chicken and Rice Skillet is about to become your new favorite. Give it a whirl—and don’t forget to pile on those vibrant garnishes. Enjoy every green, herby, homey bite!

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