Description
These Cilantro Lime Chicken and Lentil Rice Bowls are a delicious and nutritious meal option. Tender marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and served on a bed of flavorful lentil rice, topped with fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and optional feta cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- zest and juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice and Lentils:
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup dried green or brown lentils
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
For Serving:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- extra chopped cilantro and lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime zest and juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Cook the Rice and Lentils: Combine brown rice and lentils in a pot with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes or until rice and lentils are tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide lentil rice among bowls, top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and crumbled feta if using. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Swap brown rice for quinoa if desired.
- For extra creaminess, drizzle with a light cilantro-lime dressing or Greek yogurt sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
