Low-Cal Cilantro Lime Chicken (Printable)

Juicy cilantro lime chicken served over fluffy cauliflower rice with fresh veggies and zesty dressing.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
03 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
04 - 2 teaspoons olive oil
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cauliflower Rice

10 - 1 large head cauliflower, about 6 cups florets
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

→ Toppings

16 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
17 - 1 avocado, sliced
18 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
19 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
20 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# Method:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
02 - Remove leaves and core from cauliflower. Chop into florets and pulse in a food processor until the mixture resembles rice grains.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cauliflower rice and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until tender. Stir in lime juice and cilantro, then set aside and keep warm.
04 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
05 - Divide cauliflower rice evenly among 4 bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get restaurant-quality flavor in under 40 minutes without feeling like you're sacrificing anything.
  • The cilantro lime marinade is so easy to remember that you'll make it for other proteins without thinking twice.
  • It's genuinely satisfying enough that you won't miss the rice or heavy toppings your usual bowls have.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting period for the chicken—those 5 minutes make the difference between slices that stay juicy and ones that are just okay.
  • If your cauliflower rice releases a lot of liquid, drain it in a fine-mesh strainer before adding the lime juice, or your bowls will get soggy by the time you finish assembling them.
03 -
  • If your chicken breasts are thick, butterfly them or pound them gently so they cook through evenly in the 5 to 6 minute window.
  • Taste the cauliflower rice before serving—sometimes you need an extra pinch of salt or lime juice depending on how much water your cauliflower released.
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