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Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls: Best 20-Minute Dinner

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These easy cilantro lime chicken bowls are proof that you don’t need a complicated recipe to eat well. It’s fast, it’s fresh, and it’s exactly the kind of meal you’ll want to make again tomorrow.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 3–4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, extra lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) or leave whole.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add a drizzle of oil if needed.
  4. Add chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  5. Turn off heat and stir in chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice.
  6. If rice is cold, warm it in the microwave or a small pan. Optionally char corn in the same skillet with a little oil for 2 minutes.
  7. Assemble bowls: Divide warm rice between bowls. Top with cilantro lime chicken, black beans, corn, and any desired toppings. Squeeze extra lime juice over everything before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for better browning. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Let chicken cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes before flipping. Use a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature. Store chicken, rice, and toppings separately for up to 4 days. Chicken freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro lime chicken bowls, easy dinner, 20-minute meal, chicken bowls, Mexican bowls, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://larameals.com/easy-cilantro-lime-chicken-bowls-best-20-minute-dinner/