If you’re ready to take your weeknight dinner from plain to downright irresistible, Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice is the answer you’ve been searching for. This dish is a vibrant celebration of spicy, bold Cajun flavors perfectly paired with bright, zesty rice, making every bite a little adventure. It’s a personal favorite that’s both easy enough for a busy night and impressive enough for company, bringing together tender, juicy chicken and a bed of herby, citrus-kissed rice. Get ready to fall in love with a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice is a breeze, and each one plays a special role in building layers of flavor and color. From the punchy Cajun seasoning to the fresh burst of coriander and lime, these basics are all you need to create something extraordinary.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook up juicy and tender, making them perfect for soaking up all those Cajun spices.
Olive oil: Just a little helps sear the chicken to golden perfection and keeps everything moist.
Cajun seasoning: The star of the show, bringing a spicy, smoky kick that defines the dish.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the heat from the Cajun blend.
Black pepper: Adds an extra layer of warmth and a subtle bite to both chicken and rice.
Long-grain white rice: Fluffy and light, it’s the perfect canvas for all those fresh flavors.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and keeps every grain flavorful.
Fresh coriander (cilantro): Brings a bright, herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
Lime juice: Adds tangy acidity that wakes up your taste buds.
Lime zest: Gives the rice a fragrant, citrusy aroma and a pop of color.
Lime wedges (optional): A final squeeze of lime at the table truly makes the flavors sing.

How to Make Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice

Step 1: Rinse and Cook the Rice

Start by rinsing your long-grain white rice under cold water—this helps remove extra starch and keeps the rice nice and fluffy. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil, then add the rice. Turn the heat down low, cover, and let it simmer undisturbed for 18–20 minutes. The rice will soak up all that savory broth, infusing every bite with flavor. Once done, remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff it up with a fork for the perfect texture.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While the rice is cooking, take your chicken breasts and sprinkle them generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give them a little rub to make sure the spices coat every nook and cranny. If you have a few extra minutes, let the chicken sit or even marinate for 30 minutes with a squeeze of lime juice for even more flavor—it’s a simple trick that makes a big difference.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, lay the chicken breasts in the pan and let them cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes per side. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden crust and an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked through, set the chicken aside to rest for a few minutes—this ensures every slice stays juicy.

Step 4: Finish the Rice

Now for the magic touch! Stir the chopped fresh coriander, lime juice, and lime zest into the cooked rice. The heat will release all those fresh, aromatic oils, making your kitchen smell amazing. The rice transforms with vibrant green flecks and zesty flavor, turning it into the perfect bed for your spicy chicken.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Pile the coriander and lime rice onto plates and top with the chicken. For a final flourish, add a sprinkle of extra coriander or a few lime wedges. Every bite of the Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice will be bursting with flavor and freshness!

How to Serve Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice

Garnishes

A handful of fresh coriander leaves sprinkled over the top and a few lime wedges on the side make this dish feel restaurant-worthy. Not only do they add a beautiful pop of color, but that extra squeeze of lime right at the table adds a fresh, bright finish that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice is pretty much a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or sautéed bell peppers and onions. The freshness of the greens or the sweetness of the peppers help balance the spice and make your plate even more inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, try piling the rice in a shallow bowl, fanning the sliced chicken over the top, and scattering extra coriander and lime zest. You can also serve this family-style on a big platter, letting everyone help themselves for a more relaxed, communal vibe. Either way, Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice will steal the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents the rice from getting soggy. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days, making lunch prep a breeze!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice! Let everything cool completely, then portion the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Just remember to label and date your containers for easy grab-and-go meals later.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave the rice and chicken in short bursts, adding a splash of water or extra chicken broth to keep the rice moist. You can also rewarm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat if you prefer. Be sure not to overcook, so the chicken stays tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra richness and stay juicy even if cooked a little longer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed and check for doneness with a thermometer.

Is this recipe very spicy?

Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice has a pleasant kick, but it’s easy to adjust. Use less Cajun seasoning if you prefer things milder or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat if you’re feeling bold.

Can I make this recipe with brown rice?

Yes, you can swap in brown rice, but it will need a longer cooking time and a bit more liquid. The nutty flavor of brown rice is a lovely contrast to the spicy chicken and zesty lime.

What’s the best way to marinate the chicken for more flavor?

Mix the Cajun seasoning with olive oil and a splash of lime juice, then coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. The flavors will soak in beautifully, making the chicken even more flavorful.

Can I add vegetables to the rice?

Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even corn are wonderful additions to the rice, adding color, sweetness, and extra nutrition. Just toss them in after the rice is cooked for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice! It’s bold, fresh, and guaranteed to brighten up your dinner routine. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish brings people together and always disappears fast—give it a try and let your kitchen be filled with the aromas of spice and citrus!

Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful Cajun chicken recipe served with fresh coriander and zesty lime rice, perfect for a spicy and vibrant main course.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Rice

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest

Optional

Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water and drain thoroughly. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil, then add the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the chopped coriander, lime juice, and lime zest to infuse fresh citrus flavors.
Season the chicken: While the rice cooks, season the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This blend will give the chicken its characteristic spicy and smoky flavor.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve them over the coriander lime rice. Garnish with additional fresh coriander or lime wedges if desired for an extra burst of freshness and color.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with Cajun seasoning and a splash of lime juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
Add sautéed bell peppers or onions to the rice to introduce additional color and sweetness.
This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun