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Honey Lime Cilantro Chicken & Rice Bowls

These honey lime cilantro chicken bowls are bright, fresh, and packed with flavor. Juicy marinated chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp toppings come together with a sweet and tangy drizzle for a perfectly balanced, meal-prep-friendly dish.
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Fresh, Mexican
Calories: 620

Ingredients
 
 

For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
For the Rice:
  • 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 tsp salt
For the Quick Pickled Onions:
  • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Pinch of salt
For the Bowl Toppings:
  • 1 large avocado sliced
  • 1 cup cucumber sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • Extra chili flakes if desired
For the Honey Lime Drizzle:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and cilantro. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
  2. Cook the Rice: Rinse rice until water runs clear. Add rice, water, and salt to a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff.
  3. Pickle the Onions: In a bowl, combine sliced onion, apple cider vinegar, honey, and salt. Let sit for at least 20 minutes until softened.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let rest, then slice.
  5. Make the Drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, honey, cilantro, and salt.
  6. Assemble the Bowls: Add rice to bowls, top with sliced chicken, avocado, cucumber, and pickled onions. Drizzle with honey lime sauce and finish with cilantro and chili flakes.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 54gFat: 22g

Notes

  • Store pickled onions separately to keep flavors fresh
  • Slice avocado fresh to prevent browning
  • Reheat chicken and rice separately for best texture
  • Add black beans or corn for extra carbs and fiber
  • Double the drizzle for extra flavor throughout the week
 

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