Chipotle Lime Chicken and Rice
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
393 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Chipotle Lime Chicken and Rice
Description
Chipotle Lime Chicken and Rice features boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a spice mix of chipotle powder, cumin, garlic and onion powders, and salt, then browned in oil. The chicken is cooked with diced onions and tomatoes, enhanced by lime juice, alongside long grain white rice simmered in chicken broth. This method allows the chicken to stay moist while infusing the rice with smoky, zesty flavors. The diced green onions and optional cotija cheese blend add savory and fresh notes to the dish.
The texture balances tender chicken with fluffy, flavorful rice that has absorbed the tomato juices and spices. The lime juice adds a bright contrast to the smoky warmth of the chipotle and cumin. The dish can be served as a standalone dinner or alongside fresh salad. Lime wedges enhance the tartness on the side.
The recipe suggests flexibility in tomato types, allowing plain, fire-roasted, or tomatoes with chiles, adjusting the spice level and flavor depth. The chicken breasts are pounded to even thickness for consistent cooking, and the layering of spices before and after browning builds complexity.
Ingredients
- 1.5 tsp chipotle powder $0.15
- 1 tsp cumin $0.10, ground
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
- 1/2 tsp onion powder $0.05
- 1/2 tsp salt $0.05
- 1 lime $0.50
- 2 chicken breast $5.79, boneless, skinless, about 1 lb
- 1 Tbsp neutral cooking oil $0.04, generic cooking oil
- 1 yellow onion $0.32
- 1 oz. can diced tomatoes $0.59
- 1 cup chicken broth $0.13
- 1 cup long grain white rice $0.62
- 2 green onion $0.22, sliced
- 1 oz. cotija cheese $0.55, optional
Instructions
- Combine the chipotle powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a bowl. Squeeze 2 Tbsp juice from the lime into a separate bowl (this should be about half a lime, save the other half to cut into wedges for garnish).
- Use a rolling pin or a mallet to gently pound the chicken breast to an even thickness (about ¾-inch thick). Use half of the prepared spice mix to coat both sides of the chicken pieces (reserve the other half of the spices for later).
- Heat the cooking oil in a large deep skillet over medium. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for a few minutes on each side, or until browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked, just browned on both sides. It will continue to cook with the rice.
- While the chicken is cooking, dice the onion. Remove the browned chicken from the skillet to a clean plate. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened. Add the remaining spices and sauté for one minute more.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), rice, chicken broth, and lime juice to the skillet with the onions. Stir to combine and dissolve any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the browned chicken back to the skillet. Place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat up to medium high, and allow the liquid to come up to a boil.
- Once it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to low, and allow the chicken and rice to simmer on low for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn the heat off and let the skillet rest, without lifting the lid, for an additional 5 minutes.
- Finally, remove the lid, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Fluff the rice to stir the tomato and onion back in. Slice the chicken then place it on top of the rice. Sprinkle with slice green onion and Cotija cheese. Add any remaining lime wedges, and serve!
Notes
- Various types of diced tomatoes can be used: plain, petite, fire roasted, or with chiles for different flavor variations.
- Use half the spices to coat the chicken for even seasoning and hold the rest to add flavor during cooking.
- Pounding chicken breasts to uniform thickness helps ensure even cooking alongside rice.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 393 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 393kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Sodium | 887mg | 37% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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