Cilantro Rice with Grilled Chicken and Plantains (50-52 Minutes)

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This delicious meal combines the freshness of cilantro with the savory taste of grilled chicken and the sweet, caramelized flavor of fried plantains.

The cilantro rice adds a fresh and herbaceous note, the grilled chicken provides a smoky and hearty element, and the fried plantains offer a delightful sweetness that balances the overall dish.

It’s ideal for a family dinner or a special weekend meal when you’re craving something easy and tasty!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-47 minutes
  • Total Time: 50-52 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cilantro Rice:

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste

For the Grilled Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Fried Plantains:

  • 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Cook Cilantro Rice (20 minutes): In a pot, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add rice and simmer covered on low heat until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed. Stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Set aside and keep warm.
  2. Prepare and Grill Chicken (10-12 minutes): Season chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
  3. Fry Plantains (10 minutes): Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices until golden brown and caramelized on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Assemble and Serve (5 minutes): On serving plates, place a portion of cilantro rice, a few pieces of grilled chicken, and fried plantains.

Notes

To make this dish shine, use fresh cilantro and lime juice for the rice to bring out vibrant flavors. Ensure the chicken is well-seasoned and grilled to perfection, keeping it juicy and flavorful.

The plantains should be ripe for a natural sweetness and fried until they are just caramelized. Serve this dish with a simple side salad or some fresh avocado for a complete meal and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 70g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Pair this with...

Avocado and Tomato Salad

Start by halving ripe cherry tomatoes, which offer sweet-tartness. Slice up a ripe avocado, its creaminess contrasting beautifully with the tomatoes. Thinly slice some red onion for a hint of zesty sharpness. Crumble in a good amount of feta cheese which adds a salty, tangy bite. For a touch of aromatic freshness, chop up some basil leaves and sprinkle them in. Now, for the dressing: a simple drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice will enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste, give everything a gentle toss, ensuring not to mash the avocado.

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Start by draining and rinsing a can of black beans, then combine it with a cup of sweet corn (frozen and thawed works great, or fresh off the cob). Dice up a ripe tomato, a red pepper, and a red onion for some juicy crunch. For that herbal freshness, chop up a handful of cilantro and toss it in. Mix everything in a large bowl and give it a good stir. For dressing, squeeze the juice of one lime, drizzle a bit of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Mix it all up, and voila!

Homemade Unsweetened Iced Tea

Begin by choosing a quality black, green, or herbal tea – your preference will set the tone. Bring a pot of fresh water to a gentle boil and steep your tea bags or loose leaves, letting the tea brew a bit stronger than if you were making it hot, as it will mellow when chilled. Once you’ve achieved that deep, aromatic infusion, remove the tea and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer your tea to a pitcher and pop it into the fridge to cool down and intensify the flavors. When serving, fill a glass with ice cubes, pour over the chilled tea, and maybe add a slice of lemon or sprig of mint for a touch of flair.

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Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!