Lime Grilled Chicken and Rice

In the summer, we’re looking for fresh flavors without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, and lime grilled chicken and rice fit the bill perfectly. Juicy grilled chicken, a bright lime marinade, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings come together for an easy meal that tastes like summer on a plate (or in a bowl). Fire up the grill and watch as simple chicken breasts turn into something everyone looks forward to eating.

The Butcher Shop’s Lime Grilled Chicken and Rice

Prep time: 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes marinating
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the Lime Grilled Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

For the Rice:

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced avocado
• Diced tomatoes
• Fresh or grilled corn
• Black beans
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Sliced jalapeño

Directions:

1. Make the Marinade
Whisk the lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cilantro together in a bowl.

2. Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Turn the chicken to coat each piece. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

3. Cook the Rice
Add the rice and chicken broth or water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer according to the package directions. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.

4. Season the Rice
Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the butter, lime juice, cilantro, and salt to taste. Cover the rice to keep it warm while you grill the chicken.

5. Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grates to help prevent sticking.

6. Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

7. Rest and Slice
Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken against the grain.

8. Build Your Meal
Divide the lime-cilantro rice among four plates or bowls. Add the sliced grilled chicken and top with avocado, tomatoes, corn, black beans, cilantro, jalapeño, or fresh lime wedges as desired.

Butcher’s Tips for Success

• Use a meat thermometer: To avoid dry, overcooked chicken, pull the chicken from the grill when it reaches 165°F.
• Don’t reuse the marinade: If you want extra sauce for serving, reserve some marinade before adding the raw chicken.
• Serving suggestions: Serve alongside grilled corn on the cob, a crisp green salad, fresh sliced tomatoes, grilled vegetables, or a simple fruit salad.

Looking for More Grilled Chicken Recipes?

Grilled Caprese Chicken
Grilled Basil Chicken & Tomatoes
Chicken & Apple Skewers

Frequently Asked Questions About Lime Grilled Chicken and Rice

Can I make lime grilled chicken ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken ahead of time, but don’t let it marinate for more than two hours or the chicken will have a mushy texture. You can also grill the chicken in advance, refrigerate it, and slice it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well with the lime marinade and stay especially juicy on the grill. Adjust the grilling time as needed and cook the chicken to a safe internal temperature.

What kind of rice works best with lime grilled chicken?

Long-grain white rice makes a simple, fluffy base, but jasmine, basmati, or brown rice also works well. Adjust the liquid and cooking time according to the package directions for the rice you choose.

Put Lime Grilled Chicken and Rice on Your Family’s Table with The Butcher Shop

This recipe proves that lime and grilled chicken are a natural pair – especially when you start with fresh, high-quality chicken from The Butcher Shop. Like all of the meats we carry, our chicken is 100% natural and sourced from farms right here in Southern Oregon. You’ll also find farm-fresh produce, freshly baked breads, and high-quality pantry ingredients at prices that won’t break your budget. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.