If you’re on the hunt for a dish that bursts with bold flavors and fresh vibrancy, this Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender chicken coated in smoky Cajun spices pairs beautifully with zesty, fragrant coriander and lime rice, creating a wonderfully balanced plate that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Whether you’re craving weeknight simplicity or a meal to impress friends, this recipe delivers a satisfying punch with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to getting this dish just right. Each one plays a vital role—from the spices that give the chicken its kick, to the bright herbs that awaken the rice. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thighs): Choose fresh, high-quality cuts for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: This blend brings smoky, spicy warmth that defines the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and keeps the chicken juicy while cooking.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth that complements the Cajun spices perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in both chicken and rice.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough kick to round out the seasoning.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: Fluffy and light, it’s the perfect base for the vibrant lime and coriander.
- 2 cups water or chicken broth: Broth works wonders for extra savory rice, but water is great too.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter: Adds richness and helps keep the rice tender and glossy.
- Juice of 1 lime: Delivers that fresh citrusy zing that brightens each mouthful.
- Zest of 1 lime: A fragrant boost that intensifies the lime flavor.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped): Provides fresh herbaceous notes and a pop of green.
- Salt to taste: Adjust according to preference for perfect seasoning.
How to Make Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by evening out the chicken breasts with a light pound if they’re uneven; this helps them cook uniformly and stay juicy. Rub each piece generously with olive oil—it acts like a flavor carrier and keeps the meat tender. Next, coat the chicken with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. These spices will build that signature smoky, spicy flavor that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot enough to sizzle. Place the chicken on the pan and cook it for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden crust on the outside while ensuring the inside reaches a safe, juicy doneness. Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes—this step is crucial for locking in all those flavorful juices. Then, slice it into tender strips ready to crown your rice.
Step 3: Make the Coriander and Lime Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear; this simple step removes excess starch for fluffy, separate grains. In a saucepan, combine the rice with water or chicken broth and olive oil or butter, then bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan, letting the rice gently simmer for 15 to 18 minutes—it’ll become perfectly tender and soak up all the liquid. Remove from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains, then stir in freshly squeezed lime juice, lime zest, and bright chopped cilantro. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt—it’s all about balance here.
Step 4: Plate Your Dish
Spoon generous portions of the coriander and lime rice onto your plates, then layer on the sliced Cajun chicken. This harmony of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors is sure to delight everyone at your table.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding an extra burst of color and flavor elevates the dish beautifully. Try topping with a few fresh lime wedges for extra zing, or sprinkle some chopped cilantro and a dusting of additional Cajun seasoning. A light drizzle of sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also add creamy balance to the spices.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides. Consider a crisp green salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes, or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for vibrant color and texture. Black beans or corn salad would bring in complementary warmth and sweetness as well.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz it up, try serving this recipe in vibrant bowls for a casual family-style meal or neatly plate it on wide white dishes for a dinner party feel. Wrapping the sliced chicken and rice into warmed tortillas makes delicious Cajun chicken burritos, while layering everything in a casserole dish for a baked version adds comforting appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Cajun chicken and coriander lime rice stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rice and chicken separate if possible to maintain the best texture when reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, covering it to keep moisture locked in. Warm the rice in a microwave-safe bowl with a sprinkle of water added, or heat it in a pan, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a bit more richness and tend to stay juicier, making them a fantastic option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through fully.
Is there a substitute for fresh coriander if I don’t have any on hand?
You can substitute fresh cilantro with fresh parsley for a milder herbal note, or use dried coriander leaves in small amounts, but fresh cilantro truly brings that bright distinctive flavor to the lime rice.
Can I make the Cajun chicken and lime rice gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your Cajun seasoning blend to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing additives.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning at home—can I make it myself?
Definitely! Cajun seasoning is easy to mix up with common spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. Homemade blends can be adjusted to your preferred heat level too.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this recipe is excellent for meal prep. The chicken and rice store well separately and reheat nicely, making lunches or dinners easy and delicious throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe is a fantastic way to bring exciting flavors and fresh ingredients together for a meal that feels both comforting and adventurous. Its brilliant combination of smoky, zesty, and herbal notes promises to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients, fire up that stove, and enjoy the delicious journey!
Print
Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Cajun-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice recipe is a flavorful and vibrant dish combining spicy, well-seasoned chicken breasts with zesty lime-infused cilantro rice. Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner, it’s inspired by Tex-Mex and Cajun flavors and offers a delightful balance of protein and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thighs)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Coriander and Lime Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Juice of 1 lime
- Zest of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness if needed. Rub them with olive oil, then coat evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Make the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until clear. Add rice to a saucepan along with water or chicken broth and olive oil or butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Flavor the Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and season with salt to taste.
- To Serve: Plate the cilantro lime rice and top with sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with extra lime wedges or additional cilantro if desired for added freshness.
Notes
- You can add black beans, corn, or diced avocado to the rice for a fuller, more colorful meal.
- The chicken can also be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20 minutes if you prefer not to cook it on the stovetop or grill pan.
