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One Pan Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Bake

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This easy one pan cilantro lime chicken and rice bake features juicy, marinated chicken thighs and fluffy, flavorful rice all cooked together in a single dish. It’s a vibrant, family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6–8 pieces)
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice (Jasmine or basmati work too)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (divided)
  • 2 large limes, zested and juiced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: sliced avocado, extra lime wedges, Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the juice and zest of 2 limes, 3 tbsp olive oil, half the chopped cilantro, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, spread 1 cup uncooked rice evenly on the bottom. Pour 2 cups chicken broth over the rice and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve any leftover marinade) and arrange, skin-side up, over the rice. Pour any extra marinade over the top.
  5. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  6. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes, until chicken skin is golden and rice is tender. For extra-crispy skin, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end if desired.
  7. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro and serve with extra lime wedges and optional garnishes.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes (up to 4 hours). Rinse rice before using for fluffier texture. If using chicken breasts, reduce total bake time by 10-15 minutes. For a vegetarian version, substitute portobello mushrooms and use vegetable broth. Leftovers keep well and flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, one pan dinner, chicken and rice bake, easy family dinner, oven baked chicken, gluten free, meal prep, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/one-pan-cilantro-lime-chicken-and-rice-bake-easy-family-dinner-recipe/