Quick & Easy Lime Chicken with Herbed Rice – 30-Minute Dinner

Ingredients for the Lime Chicken

Let’s gather everything you’ll need to create this vibrant and flavorful lime chicken dish. This recipe focuses on fresh ingredients to really bring out the citrusy goodness and the slight spice of the jalapeno. Preparation time is minimal, allowing you to get dinner on the table quickly.

For the Lime Chicken:

• Chicken Thighs (Bone-in, Skin-on) – Approximately 6-8 thighs. Bone-in and skin-on are key for maximum flavor and crispiness during cooking. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but the flavour won’t be quite as intense. Chicken Thighs is a great option to start with.
• Fresh Limes – 3-4 large limes. This will provide both juice and zest for a potent lime flavor. Ensure they are ripe by gently pressing on the skin – it should yield slightly. Lime Varieties include Key limes, Persian limes, and Mexican limes, each offering subtly different flavours.
• Olive Oil – 2-3 tablespoons, extra virgin olive oil works beautifully.
• Garlic – 4-6 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is absolutely essential for maximum aroma and flavor. Garlic Recipes are incredibly versatile.
• Jalapeno Pepper – 1-2 jalapenos, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference). Handle with care – use gloves if desired. Jalapeno Recipes offer more recipe ideas, too.
• Chicken Broth – 1 cup (low sodium preferred).
• Cumin – 1 teaspoon
• Oregano – 1 teaspoon, dried or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped.
• Salt & Black Pepper – To taste. Season generously – remember salt enhances the flavors.

For the Herbed Rice (Simple Side):

• Long-Grain Rice – 1 cup (Basmati or Jasmine are excellent choices). Rice Varieties are worth exploring for flavor.
• Butter – 2 tablespoons. Adds richness and helps prevent sticking.
• Turmeric – 1/2 teaspoon (for colour and a subtle earthy flavour – crucial for the herbed rice!). Turmeric Recipes are great to look into.
• Water – 2 cups.
• Salt – 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.

Remember to check your pantry before you head to the store! A little planning goes a long way.

Instructions: Cooking the Lime Chicken

Okay, let’s get started with the deliciously simple process of cooking this amazing Lime Chicken. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken browns beautifully and the flavors meld perfectly.

Next, in an oven-safe skillet – a cast iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution, but any oven-safe skillet will work – place the chicken pieces. Ideally, you’ll have 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, as they are particularly flavorful in this recipe, but breasts work well too. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. The olive oil will help keep the chicken moist and add a subtle richness to the dish. Season the chicken liberally with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Don’t be shy – these ingredients really boost the flavor.

Now, for the lime – this is where the magic happens! Squeeze the juice of 2 large limes (about ¼ cup) directly over the chicken. Make sure you get every last bit of juice; it’s crucial for that vibrant lime flavor. Then, add the lime zest from both limes – this intensifies the citrus aroma and taste. Don’t discard the zest, it’s packed with flavor.

Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic, roughly chopped – about 1 teaspoon should do the trick, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro. The cilantro adds a burst of fresh herbaceousness that complements the lime perfectly. If you’re not a cilantro fan, you can substitute with chopped parsley.

Drizzle another 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken. Now, stir everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the lime juice, zest, garlic, and cilantro. Make sure every part of the chicken is touched by the flavorful mixture.

Place the skillet into the preheated oven and cook for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. For the best results, rotate the skillet halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. If the skin starts to get too dark, you can loosely cover the skillet with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

During the last 10 minutes of cooking, you can add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the skillet. This will create a delicious pan sauce and keep the chicken incredibly moist. Stir to combine and allow the sauce to thicken slightly. The sauce is incredibly flavorful and will enhance the overall taste of the dish. The amount of broth can be adjusted to your liking; some prefer a thicker sauce, while others like it slightly thinner.

Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Using Chef’s Knife is the best way to slice through the cooked chicken. Serve immediately. This Lime Chicken is fantastic with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. Enjoy this quick and easy meal – perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can find additional recipes with Rachel Ray!

Herbed Rice Recipe – A Simple Side Dish

This herbed rice recipe is the perfect complement to the zesty lime chicken. It’s surprisingly easy to make and adds a vibrant, flavorful element to your dinner. The key is to use good quality rice and a few simple herbs for maximum impact. This recipe leverages a classic technique – heating the rice in butter with the herbs, then adding hot water and letting it steam to fluffy perfection. The result is a fragrant and flavorful rice that elevates the entire dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine rice work particularly well)
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Herbs: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped parsley, chives, and dried thyme. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step is crucial; it releases the essential oils from the herbs, intensifying their flavor. Don’t overcook the herbs, or they’ll become bitter.
2. Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat it with the herb-infused butter. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This toasting step helps to create a nutty flavor and improves the texture of the rice. You’ll notice a slight aroma as the rice toasts – that’s a good sign!
3. Add the Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer and Steam: Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time; this allows the steam to build and ensures the rice cooks evenly. The steam is what transforms the rice from hard grains into fluffy perfection.
5. Rest: After 18-20 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for another 10 minutes. This final resting period allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and finish cooking.

Tips for Perfect Herbed Rice:

• Don’t Stir: Resist the urge to stir the rice while it’s simmering. Stirring disrupts the steam and can result in unevenly cooked rice.
• Quality Broth: Using a good quality chicken broth (or vegetable broth) will significantly impact the flavor of the rice. Homemade broth is ideal, but a good store-bought option will also work well. Chicken Broth Recipe
• Rice to Liquid Ratio: A standard ratio is 1 part rice to 2 parts broth. This recipe uses 1 cup of rice and 1/2 cup of broth, but you can adjust this slightly based on your preference.

Enjoy this simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish alongside your lime chicken. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to complete your dinner! Get more dinner ideas

Recipe Notes & Variations for the Lime Chicken

Let’s talk about customizing this incredible Lime Chicken recipe to perfectly suit your tastes! While the base recipe is already fantastic, there’s a world of possibilities for adding your own flair. First, let’s address the spice level – the recipe wisely cautions against overdoing the jalapeno, but a little heat is fantastic. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half the jalapeno and taste as you go. Alternatively, a pinch of cayenne pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon) adds a subtle kick. For those who enjoy a bolder flavor, consider a diced habanero, handled with extreme care – remember to wear gloves! Another fantastic addition is a squeeze of fresh lime juice after cooking, amplifying the citrusy brightness. You can also incorporate other aromatics – a few minced cloves of garlic or a small piece of ginger grated in at the beginning adds depth.

Beyond the spice, let’s discuss protein variations. While the recipe uses chicken thighs for their richness, you can certainly use chicken breasts – just be mindful of cooking time; they tend to dry out more easily. For extra tenderness, consider pounding the chicken thighs slightly before searing to ensure even cooking. Another delicious swap is using bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces; the rendered fat adds incredible flavor to the sauce. If you’re aiming for a lighter meal, you can remove the skin before cooking, although you’ll lose some of that delicious rendered fat.

Now, let’s delve into alternative rice options. While the recipe calls for herbed rice, feel free to experiment! Jasmine rice offers a wonderfully fragrant alternative, or for a more robust flavor, try brown rice (though you may need to increase the liquid and cooking time). Quinoa makes a great healthy option, just ensure you rinse it thoroughly before cooking.

Don’t limit yourself to just lime! A splash of orange juice alongside the lime juice creates a vibrant, complex citrus profile. A tablespoon of fish sauce (a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine) adds a salty, umami dimension that elevates the entire dish – just use sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors. Consider adding a handful of chopped cilantro or parsley at the very end for a fresh, herbaceous finish. For a more substantial meal, incorporate some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking. A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream (added after cooking) creates a cooling contrast to the spice. You could also add a tablespoon of coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist.

Finally, for a truly impressive presentation, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and a sprig of fresh cilantro. This quick and easy Lime Chicken is incredibly versatile; it’s fantastic served with rice and a simple salad, over tacos, or even as a filling for pita pockets. Remember to always handle the jalapeno carefully to avoid skin irritation. And don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your liking – cooking is all about personal preference! Seasoning tips Cooking Techniques Lime Recipes

Essential Tools & Equipment for Your Kitchen

To create this incredible Quick & Easy Lime Chicken with Herbed Rice, you’ll need a few key tools and equipment to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. Don’t worry, you likely already have many of these items! Let’s break it down:

1. Cutting & Chopping:

• Chef’s Knife (chef knife – Henckels Classic Precision 6-inch Chef’s Knife): A good quality chef’s knife is absolutely essential for efficiently chopping the chicken, onions, and herbs. Having a sharp knife dramatically improves your ability to cut cleanly and safely. Consider investing in a decent one – it’s the most important tool in your kitchen. Knife Skills is a great resource if you’re not confident with your knife skills.
• Cutting Board: A stable cutting board, preferably made of wood or bamboo, is crucial for protecting your countertop and providing a safe surface for chopping. Wood Cutting Boards offer excellent stability and are easy to clean.
• Vegetable Peeler: For peeling the lime and removing the skin from the herbs, a vegetable peeler is your best friend. Vegetable Peelers are readily available in various designs.

2. Cooking & Mixing:

• Oven-Safe Skillet: This is where the magic happens! You’ll need a skillet that can withstand high heat for searing the chicken and braising it in the flavorful lime sauce. Cast Iron Skillets are highly recommended for their even heat distribution and durability. They hold up extremely well to high heat.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to successful cooking. Having both dry and liquid measuring cups and spoons will ensure you’re using the correct proportions. Measuring Cups & Spoons are must-haves in any kitchen.
• Mixing Bowls (Various Sizes): You’ll need bowls for prepping ingredients, marinating the chicken, and combining the rice and herbs. Mixing Bowls are available in a range of sizes and materials, from stainless steel to ceramic.
• Whisk: A whisk is essential for properly incorporating the herbs into the rice and for emulsifying the lime juice into the sauce. Whisk options are available in a variety of styles and materials.

3. Other Helpful Items:

• Tongs: Tongs are incredibly useful for safely handling the hot chicken and flipping it in the skillet. Kitchen Tongs offer a comfortable grip and prevent burns.
• Ladle: A ladle is perfect for serving the chicken and rice from the skillet. Ladle are useful for portioning items.
• Spatula or Spoon: For stirring the rice, and moving the chicken in the skillet. Silicone Spatula offers good heat resistance and non-stick properties.

With these essential tools and equipment, you’ll be well-equipped to create this delicious and easy Lime Chicken recipe! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Serving Suggestions & Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Lime Chicken with Herbed Rice truly shines as a vibrant weeknight meal, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Beyond the delicious core dish, consider elevating your presentation to create a complete and impressive dinner. For a touch of elegance, garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs – they add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving amplifies the citrusy notes and brightens the entire dish.

To complement the dish, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a cooling counterpoint to the richness of the chicken. Opt for ingredients like romaine lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes for a classic combination. Alternatively, roasted asparagus or green beans would also pair wonderfully, adding a healthy element to the meal.

If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving this lime chicken with warm corn tortillas for a flavorful wrap or alongside a bowl of Mexican rice for a fully immersive Mexican-inspired experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sides – roasted sweet potatoes with a touch of cinnamon would also be an excellent addition, especially during the fall and winter months.

Furthermore, this recipe is remarkably versatile. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeno to suit your preference. The herbed rice is equally adaptable – try incorporating other herbs like basil or oregano for a different flavor profile. It’s truly a base recipe that can be customized to your liking and season.

Finally, this dish is a fantastic option for meal prepping. The chicken and rice can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing you to quickly assemble a delicious dinner whenever you’re short on time. Just remember to reheat the chicken thoroughly before serving. You can even freeze the cooked rice for future use – it’s a lifesaver on busy nights! This recipe truly exemplifies how simple and satisfying home-cooked meals can be, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to share this wonderful recipe with friends and family – it’s a dish that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Enjoy this flavorful and easy weeknight meal! It’s also wonderful served with a side of black beans. Discover more delicious and quick dinner recipes!

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