Garlic Cilantro Lime Chicken Fried Rice – A Fresh Twist on a Classic!
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If you love bold, fresh flavors with a comforting twist, this Cilantro Lime Chicken Fried Rice is the ultimate meal! It combines juicy, marinated cilantro lime chicken with savory fried rice, infused with garlic, lime, and fresh cilantro for an unforgettable dish.
This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for meal prep—everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The grilled chicken adds a smoky depth, while the fluffy rice absorbs all the delicious flavors. Serve it on its own or pair it with avocado, salsa, or tortilla chips for a fun Tex-Mex fusion!
For more flavor-packed rice-based dishes, check out our 15 Rice and Grain Based Dishes You’ll Love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One-Pan Meal – Easy cleanup and full of flavor.
✅ Bright & Zesty – Lime, garlic, and cilantro make each bite pop!
✅ Hearty & Satisfying – Chicken + rice = the perfect comfort meal.
✅ Versatile – Serve as a main dish, meal prep, or taco filling.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
📝 Ingredients
For the Cilantro Lime Chicken:
🔹 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
🔹 ¼ cup fresh lime juice
🔹 2 tablespoons olive oil
🔹 ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
🔹 3 cloves garlic, minced
🔹 1 teaspoon ground cumin
🔹 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth!)
🔹 ½ teaspoon salt
🔹 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Fried Rice:
🔹 3 cups cooked and cooled long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati works best!)
🔹 2 tablespoons olive oil
🔹 3 cloves garlic, minced
🔹 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
🔹 2 eggs, lightly beaten
🔹 ½ cup frozen corn
🔹 ½ cup diced bell pepper (red or green for color!)
🔹 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option!)
🔹 Juice of ½ lime
🔹 ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
🔹 Lime wedges & extra cilantro for garnish
🌶️ Want extra heat? Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes!
📌 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate & Cook the Chicken
✔️ In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
✔️ Toss the diced chicken in the marinade and let sit for 15-30 minutes. (Longer for deeper flavor!)
✔️ Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
✔️ Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, then cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Garlic & Rice
✔️ In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
✔️ Add minced garlic and cumin, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
✔️ Stir in cooked rice, breaking up any clumps.
3️⃣ Add the Veggies & Eggs
✔️ Push the rice to one side of the skillet. Pour in beaten eggs, scrambling them until cooked through.
✔️ Stir in corn and diced bell peppers, mixing everything together.
4️⃣ Combine & Finish with Lime & Cilantro
✔️ Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet.
✔️ Stir in soy sauce, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
✔️ Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
✔️ Serve warm, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh finish.
🍽️ Pair with sliced avocado, salsa, or tortilla chips for extra flair!
🌿 Tips & Variations
✅ Make it tropical – Stir in pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast.
✅ Go dairy-free – Skip the eggs or swap with scrambled tofu.
✅ Add crunch – Top with toasted cashews or pumpkin seeds.
✅ Turn it into burrito bowls – Serve with black beans, guacamole, and shredded cheese!
🛍️ Storage & Reheating
🧊 To Store – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 To Reheat – Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of lime juice or water to refresh the flavors.
❄️ To Freeze – Let cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.
🌟 Tried This Recipe?
Let me know how you liked it in the comments below! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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