Cilantro Lime Chicken Rice Bowl
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring grilled chicken marinated in cilantro and lime, served over fluffy rice with a creamy yogurt sauce and zesty toppings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup extra light olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
- 6 pieces boneless skinless chicken breast thighs
For the Cilantro Lime Yogurt Sauce
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon extra light olive oil
- 2-4 tablespoons lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
For Serving
- 4 cups cooked rice of your choice
- 1 cup Guacamole (store-bought or homemade)
- as needed Lime wedges For serving
Instructions
Preparation of Chicken
- In a small blender or food processor, combine the chopped cilantro, extra light olive oil, fresh lime juice, and kosher salt. Blend until well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs in a glass container or reusable silicone bag and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's thoroughly coated. Let it marinate for 20 to 30 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce
- In another small blender or food processor, add the plain Greek yogurt, mayo, one tablespoon of extra light olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasonings as needed.
Grilling the Chicken
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Place the chicken on the grill, season lightly with salt and pepper, and grill each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Once grilled, let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing or dicing.
Assembling the Bowls
- Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top each with grilled chicken, a scoop of guacamole, and drizzle with the Cilantro Lime Yogurt Sauce.
- Finish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
Notes
Marinate chicken overnight for more flavor. You can experiment with toppings such as sliced jalapeños or diced tomatoes. To save time, the yogurt sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days.