Cilantro Lime Rice (Easy Bowl Recipe)
I could seriously eat these Cilantro Lime Rice Bowls for dinner every single night. Not even kidding! The Cilantro Lime Rice is perfectly fluffy and tender, with that signature earthy cilantro flavor balanced by the tanginess of lime juice and lime zest. Mix it in with chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, creamy avocado, and this delicious Cilantro Lime Sauce for a 30-minute balanced bowl recipe that I just KNOW you’ll love. You can even prep these bowls in advance!
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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe.
Cilantro Lime Rice
- Avocado Oil
- Basmati Rice – or any other type of long-grain white rice. Brown rice can also be used, but the cooking times are quite different, so that’s something to consider!
- Minced Garlic
- Water (or Chicken Broth)
- Lime Zest
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Salt
- Fresh Cilantro Leaves
Healthy Bowl Recipe
- Black Beans
- Corn
- Cooked Chicken – Or beef, shrimp, chickpeas – any type of protein you want!
- Avocado
- Diced Tomatoes
- Cilantro Lime Sauce – Easily make this sauce in just a few minutes and keep it in the refrigerator for delicious bowls all week long! Another option is to top these bowls with sour cream.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
Making Cilantro Lime Rice is a simple and flavorful process that can be done in just a few minutes. Once you get this process down, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat for more healthy balanced bowls (like this one) or as a great side dish option for everyday weeknight meals! Here’s how to make Cilantro Lime Rice:
- Heat oil in a pot or Dutch oven and toast the rice until it turns a light brown color.
- Stir in the garlic, water (or broth), lime zest, and salt to the pot and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 7-8 minutes while occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
- After that, add lime juice to the rice and cook for another 2-3 minutes with the lid still on.
- Remove the lid from the pot, turn off the heat, and add in some fresh cilantro to the rice.
- Finally, use a fork to fluff the rice and mix everything together.
What Goes With Cilantro Lime Rice?
There are so many ways to pair this rice recipe! Here are a few ideas:
- Add it to Slow Cooker Fiesta Ranch Chicken Wraps.
- Make Burrito Bowls (recipe below).
- Pair it with Cuban Mojo Chicken.
- Combine it with black beans.
- Add it on the side of these Healthy Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos.
- Or with Vegan Chipotle Chickpea Tacos!
- Use it as filling for Stuffed Peppers.
- Side dish to Birria Quesadillas Recipe.
Making Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Bowls
Next, put these easy bowls together! Here’s how to make Cilantro Lime Rice Bowls:
- Assemble the bowls by dividing the cooked rice, beans, corn, chicken, tomatoes, and avocado into each bowl.
- Drizzle cilantro lime sauce over the bowls and optionally garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Meal Prepping/Storing
Want to meal prep this recipe and store it for later? Here’s how!
- Cook the rice according to the directions.
- Prep and divide the bowl ingredients (except for the avocado and sauce) into 4 airtight containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, add in the fresh avocado and Cilantro Lime Sauce!
More Easy Rice Recipes
- Spanish Rice & Beans
- Rosemary Mushroom Rice Pilaf
- Cuban Mojo Chicken and Rice
- Easy Instant Pot Brown Rice
More Healthy Bowl Recipes
- Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
- Taco Bowl Recipe
- Chicken Shawarma Grain Bowls
- Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Vegan Buffalo Chickpea Bowls
- Chimichurri Chicken Bowls
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to give it a rating below and tag your photos @jar.of.lemons!
Cilantro Lime Rice (Easy Bowl Recipe)
Ingredients
Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 1/4 cup basmati rice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups water (or broth)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 1 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
Bowls (Divided)
- 3/4 cup black beans (cooked or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup corn (roasted, grilled, or canned, drained)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 medium avocado (cubed)
- 1/2 cup Cilantro Lime Sauce
- fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Make Cilantro Lime Rice
- In a Dutch oven or medium saucepan, lightly toast the rice in the oil over medium-high heat until it starts to brown.
- Add in the garlic, water (or broth), lime zest, and salt, then bring to a boil
- Lower the heat and add the lid to let simmer for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add in the lime juice and continue to cook with the lid on for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the lid, remove from heat, and mix in the cilantro.
- Fluff the rice with a fork.
Combine Bowls
- Divide the rice, beans, corn, chicken, tomatoes, and avocado into each bowl.
- Drizzle each bowl with the cilantro lime sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro (optional) and enjoy!
Beth says:
This food is amazing!!!