Low-Cal Cilantro Lime Chicken (Print View)

Juicy cilantro lime chicken paired with fluffy cauliflower rice and fresh vegetables for a vibrant bowl.

# Components:

→ Chicken

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

→ Cauliflower Rice

10 - 1 large head cauliflower, about 6 cups florets
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
14 - 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
15 - 2 tbsp 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

# Directions:

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 texture resembles rice grains.
03 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cauliflower rice, season with salt and pepper, and 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 5 minutes, then slice.
05 - Divide cauliflower rice among 4 bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like you're eating at a high-end health restaurant, but it takes barely longer than ordering takeout.
  • The cilantro lime combo is addictive in a way that makes you actually excited about eating vegetables.
  • You get to feel virtuous without sacrificing any flavor or satisfaction whatsoever.
02 -
  • Marinating the chicken for the full 2 hours if you have time makes an enormous difference in tenderness and flavor absorption, but even 15 minutes prevents it from being dry.
  • The cauliflower rice should be tender but not mushy, which means watching it closely during those last couple minutes because it can go from perfect to overcooked surprisingly fast.
03 -
  • Slice your chicken against the grain, which means cutting perpendicular to the lines running through the meat—this makes every bite more tender and easier to eat.
  • If your cauliflower rice turns out watery after cooking, press it gently in a colander or even wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture before seasoning.
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