Cilantro Lime Chicken, Rice & Black Beans
I’ve always been a huge fan of both lime and cilantro, and lately I’ve been on a real lime-cilantro kick. This easy, one-skillet, 15-minute dish is packed with both. There are so many textures and Mexican-inspired flavors — you’re going to love it! Juicy, moist chicken with tender rice, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and crisp red peppers all scented with lime and the fresh pop of cilantro. You could also work in avocado, red onions, or use it as a filling for tacos and sprinkle cheese on top. I love versatile recipes like this one! The flavors marry over time and my family thought it tasted even better the second day. It was perfect summer day-camp lunch for my daughter.
Ingredients in Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
To keep this cilantro chicken and rice with black beans super easy, I used some shortcuts like pre-cooked packets of rice, canned beans, and frozen corn. I just wanted to get something healthier on the table as quickly as I could! Gather the following ingredients:
Lime juice and zest Honey Olive oil Salt, pepper, cayenne pepper Chicken breasts Cooked rice Canned black beans Canned or frozen corn Red bell pepper Fresh cilantro
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
Chicken with cilantro lime rice and beans is quick and easy to prepare! Here’s an overview of how this Mexican-inspired chicken recipe is made:
Tips for Making Chicken with Cilantro Lime Rice
Rice: To make this recipe super easy, I used two packets of pre-cooked Uncle Ben’s rice. You’re welcome to cook the rice yourself ahead of time in a rice cooker, but this is what I had on hand and it sped up the cooking process immensely! Corn: I also used frozen corn and added it to the skillet straight from the freezer. You could use fresh or canned instead — again, just use what you have! Lime juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice, if possible. It tastes so much better than the pre-bottled stuff, and it doesn’t take very long to squeeze the limes!
Recipe Variations to Try
This is a very flexible recipe that can be adjusted based on personal preferences or what you have on hand. Try any of the following swaps when making cilantro lime chicken with rice and beans:
Swap the spices for you favorite taco or fajita seasoning Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, noting that chicken thighs need to be cooked slightly longer Use any variety of rice you like, such as brown, basmati, or jasmine Use quinoa instead of rice Omit the rice entirely and replace with cauliflower rice or just enjoy the chicken and veggies Swap the black beans for kidney or pinto beans Swap the bell pepper and corn with any other veggies you have on hand, noting that you might need to adjust the cook time depending on what vegetable(s) you use
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
At most, I might serve this dish with a green side salad just to get some extra veggies on my plate. However, you can stretch the recipe by serving it with one or more of the following:
Tomatillo Avocado Salsa Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips Grilled Mexican Corn (Elote) Mexican Wedge Salad
You’ll want to wash it all down with homemade margaritas or horchata (which is non-alcoholic, by the way!).
More Mexican Chicken Skillets:
15-Minute Cheesy Chicken Taco Skillet — Craving tacos minus all the empty carbs? This EASY taco skillet without tortillas is PERFECT!! Fast, EASY, loaded with awesome Mexican-inspired flavors and it’s super CHEESY!! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Skinny Mexican Chicken Skillet — EASY, ready in 20 minutes, and is a skinny recipe that keeps you full and satisfied!! A great Mexican-inspired meal that’s naturally gluten-free and is a flavor FIESTA in your mouth!! Easy 30-Minute Chicken Fajitas — These Easy Chicken Fajitas take just 30 minutes to make and are the perfect weeknight dinner. Friends and family will go crazy for this recipe! 15-Minute Salsa and Black Bean Chicken Skillet — Fast, EASY, family-friendly, healthy yet hearty, naturally gluten-free, Mexican-inspired meal!! The PERFECT recipe to jazz up your usual weeknight chicken dinner!! 15-Minute Salsa Verde Chicken, Rice, and Beans — Fast, EASY, one skillet recipe!! Between the salsa verde, lime juice, and cilantro mixed with juicy chicken, rice, and beans, you’ll be hooked! Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prepping!!
