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Homemade Sweet Chili Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice photo

Sweet Chili Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice

This Sweet Chili Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice is bursting with bright, tangy flavors and comes together effortlessly for a vibrant weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • Citrus juicer or reamer
  • Spatula or tongs

Method
 

Prepare the Cilantro Rice
  1. Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and help the rice cook fluffy.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
Marinate and Season the Chicken
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 2 cloves minced garlic.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. This simple marinade will infuse the chicken with a bright, flavorful glaze.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
Serve
  1. Plate the cooked chicken breasts alongside a generous scoop of the cilantro rice.
  2. Garnish with lime wedges for extra zing and squeeze fresh lime over the dish just before eating to elevate the flavors.

Notes

  • You can prepare and freeze the chicken for up to 3 months; freeze chicken and rice separately for best texture.
  • Replace jasmine rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb or keto alternative.
  • Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to increase spiciness to your preference.