Low-Cal Cilantro Lime Chicken (Printable)

Juicy cilantro lime chicken paired with light cauliflower rice, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing for a bright, healthy meal.

# What you'll need:

→ 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

# Method:

01 - Whisk together lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken breasts and toss to coat thoroughly. 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. Set aside.
03 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add processed cauliflower rice, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until tender. Stir in lime juice and cilantro, then transfer to a warm plate.
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 equally among 4 serving bowls. Top each portion with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent way more effort than you actually did, which is the best kind of kitchen magic.
  • The whole thing comes together in 40 minutes, so weeknight dinner becomes genuinely doable.
  • One bowl somehow manages to be light, satisfying, and bursting with flavors that make you feel alive.
02 -
  • Don't skip marinating the chicken, even for just 15 minutes—it's the difference between okay chicken and the kind you'll think about later.
  • If your cauliflower rice comes out mushy, you cooked it too long; it should still have a tiny bit of texture, almost al dente, which keeps the whole bowl from feeling heavy.
03 -
  • Pat your chicken dry before marinading—moisture is the enemy of a good sear, so that small extra step makes a noticeable difference in the final texture.
  • Don't be shy with the lime juice when you're eating; that squeeze at the end is where the brightness lives and what prevents this from feeling heavy even though it's totally satisfying.
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