Hello, dear readers! March is here, and with it comes the delightful promise of spring. As we transition from chilly winter days to warmer weather, I find myself craving lighter, refreshing meals that still pack a punch of flavor. This week, I wanted to share a family favorite that checks all those boxes: my scrumptious Cilantro Lime Chicken with Rice!

This dish holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my daughter Emily’s piano recital last year. The night before her big performance, she was feeling quite nervous and stressed. I wanted to prepare a comforting yet uplifting meal to ease her nerves, and this Cilantro Lime Chicken came to mind. The bright flavors of cilantro and lime brought a smile to Emily’s face, and we spent the evening chatting about her love for music and skiing as we enjoyed this delicious dinner. The next day, Emily played beautifully at her recital, and I like to think our special meal together helped calm her nerves and boost her confidence.

Before we dive into the recipe, here are a few tips to make this dish even more delightful:

1. Marinate the chicken: To infuse the chicken with even more flavor, marinate it in the cilantro-lime mixture for at least an hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice are key to achieving the vibrant taste that makes this dish so special.

Now, let’s gather our ingredients and get cooking!

Cilantro Lime Chicken with Rice:

Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup rice (I prefer jasmine rice, but any variety will do!)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– Optional: sliced avocado and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Reserve 1/4 cup of the mixture for later use.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade. Let it sit for at least one hour in the refrigerator (or overnight for even more flavor).
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If desired, broil on high for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispier exterior.
4. While the chicken is baking, prepare the rice according to package instructions, substituting chicken broth for water.
5. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the reserved cilantro-lime mixture.
6. Serve the baked chicken over a bed of cilantro-lime rice. Garnish with avocado slices and lime wedges, if desired.

This Cilantro Lime Chicken with Rice is a surefire way to bring smiles to your family’s faces and create lasting memories over a delicious meal. Enjoy!