Bright, fresh, vibrant weeknight flavor
This Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado and Jasmine Rice is the refreshing, flavor-packed meal your weeknight menu has been missing. Tender chicken is marinated in a bold blend of lime, garlic, and cilantro, then seared until golden for a mouthwatering finish that feels both light and satisfying. Paired with creamy avocado and fluffy jasmine rice, it’s a complete meal that comes together quickly — perfect for busy families or anyone craving a delicious, wholesome dinner without the stress. The bright citrus flavor and fresh herb aroma make this a Pinterest-favorite dish bursting with color, nutrition, and simple everyday joy. 🌿🍋
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients
- For the chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- For serving:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (extra for garnish)
- Lime wedges
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Tongs or spatula
- Small bowl (for garnishes)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Add it to the marinade and coat evenly. Let sit 10–15 minutes (or refrigerate up to 4 hours).
- Heat the skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat until lightly shimmering.
- Cook the chicken: Place chicken in the hot pan and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Rest the chicken: Transfer to a plate and rest 3 minutes to keep the juices inside 😊.
- Assemble bowls: Spoon jasmine rice into bowls, slice chicken, and place it over the rice. Add avocado slices and extra cilantro.
- Finish: Squeeze fresh lime over the top for a bright, zesty pop. 🍋
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Store chicken and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Add fresh avocado only when serving.
- Rice upgrade: Cook jasmine rice in chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Spice it up: Add chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for heat.
- Marinade magic: The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the citrus-herb flavor becomes.