Name: Sweet Chili Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon olive oil; salt and pepper (to taste); 1 cup jasmine rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped); 1 lime (cut into wedges)

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If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dinner that’s both simple and satisfying, Sweet Chili Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice is the answer. This dish combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, making it a standout meal for any night of the week. Juicy chicken breasts are glazed with a sticky sweet chili and lime sauce, paired with fluffy jasmine rice infused with fresh cilantro. It’s a feast for the senses that comes together effortlessly, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Bright and Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet chili sauce and zesty lime juice creates a tangy glaze that complements the tender chicken beautifully.
Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples like garlic, olive oil, and jasmine rice, this recipe is easy to whip up without any complicated prep.
One-Pan Chicken: The chicken cooks quickly in a skillet, making this recipe a great option for busy weeknights.
Fresh and Herbaceous Rice: The cilantro rice adds a fresh, aromatic element that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken.
Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or swap out ingredients based on your preferences.

The Ingredient Lineup

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and juicy when cooked right.
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Adds a glossy, sweet-spicy glaze that’s full of flavor.
2 tablespoons lime juice: Brings a zesty brightness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a savory depth and aroma.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic to golden perfection.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
1 cup jasmine rice: A fragrant, fluffy base for the meal.
2 cups chicken broth: Used to cook the rice, giving it extra flavor.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Stirred into the rice for a fresh herbal note.
1 lime, cut into wedges: For serving and adding an extra burst of citrus.

Prep & Cook Tools

Large skillet or frying pan: For cooking the chicken and sauce together.
Medium saucepan with lid: To cook the jasmine rice perfectly.
Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
Sharp knife: Essential for mincing garlic and chopping cilantro.
Citrus juicer or reamer: Helpful to extract fresh lime juice efficiently.
Spatula or tongs: For turning the chicken during cooking.

The Method for Sweet Chili Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Cilantro Rice

Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook up fluffy. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Keep warm while you cook the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate and Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple marinade will infuse the chicken with a bright, flavorful glaze.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Pour the sweet chili lime marinade over the chicken in the last 2 minutes of cooking, spooning the sauce over to coat and create a sticky glaze.

Step 4: Serve

Plate the cooked chicken breasts alongside a generous scoop of the cilantro rice. Garnish with lime wedges for extra zing. Squeeze fresh lime over the dish just before eating to elevate the flavors.

This Sweet Chili Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. If you’re eager to try another chicken dinner that’s equally comforting and cheesy, check out this Baked Three Cheese Chicken Penne. Or if you want a creamy, herb-packed pasta side to complement your chicken, the Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi With Peas is a perfect choice.

Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives

Replace jasmine rice with cauliflower rice to cut carbs while keeping the cilantro flavor.
Use a sugar-free sweet chili sauce or make your own with keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol.
Serve the chicken over sautéed zucchini noodles or spiralized vegetables instead of rice.
Incorporate extra fresh herbs and lime juice to boost flavor without carbs.

Testing Timeline

Initial test: Cooked chicken in sweet chili lime glaze, adjusted seasoning for balance.
Rice trials: Tested rice cooked with water vs. chicken broth – broth added better flavor.
Marinade timing: Found that glazing the chicken in the last minutes of cooking keeps the sauce fresh and vibrant.
Garnish options: Experimented with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for the best finish.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

You can prepare the Sweet Chili Lime Chicken ahead and freeze it for up to 3 months. Allow the chicken to cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or placing it in an airtight container. The cilantro rice can also be frozen, but it may lose some freshness upon reheating. For best results, freeze the chicken and rice separately. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to the rice to restore moisture.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully with this recipe. They’re a bit fattier and tend to stay juicy, plus the sweet chili lime glaze will cling beautifully to them. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

How spicy is the sweet chili sauce?

Sweet chili sauce offers a mild heat with a noticeable sweetness, making it approachable for most palates. If you prefer it spicier, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the chicken.

Can I make the cilantro rice ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cilantro rice a few hours in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to keep it fluffy. Fresh cilantro can be stirred in after reheating for the best flavor.

What can I serve with Sweet Chili Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. For a comforting side, consider making a creamy pasta like the Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi With Peas, which complements the bright flavors of the chicken perfectly.

Cook This Next

Baked Three Cheese Chicken Penne – A cheesy, comforting pasta bake featuring tender chicken.
Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi With Peas – A luscious, herbaceous pasta side that’s quick to prepare.

Ready to Cook?

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to get cooking! This Sweet Chili Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice recipe is a perfect weeknight meal that feels special with every bite. Gather your ingredients, prep your tools, and watch as simple components transform into a vibrant, mouthwatering dish. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this recipe will quickly become a favorite that you’ll turn to again and again.

With its irresistible glaze, fragrant rice, and fresh lime finish, Sweet Chili Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice is a celebration of flavor and ease. Enjoy every bite!

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