Kick Up Your Chili Night: Introducing Cilantro Lime Chicken Rice Chili!

 

Kick Up Your Chili Night: Introducing Cilantro Lime Chicken Rice Chili!

Here in Brownwood, Texas, we know a thing or two about chili. Hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cool evening (or let's be honest, any time!), chili is a staple. But sometimes, you crave a little twist on the classic. That's where this vibrant and zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken Rice Chili comes in!

Forget the heavy, tomato-based chili for a moment. This recipe embraces bright, fresh flavors that will awaken your taste buds. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, creamy cannellini beans, and a burst of citrusy goodness from cilantro and lime. It's lighter than traditional beef chili but still incredibly satisfying and perfect for a change of pace.

Why You'll Love This Chili:

• Fresh and Flavorful: The cilantro and lime are the stars of the show, adding a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness of the chicken and beans.

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together relatively quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

• Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and beans, plus the goodness of rice, this chili is a nourishing and satisfying option.

• Versatile: Adjust the spice level to your liking with a pinch more or less jalapeño. You can also add other veggies like corn or bell peppers.

• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, making it even better the next day!

The Star Ingredients:

• Chicken: We opted for shredded chicken breast for a lean and tender protein. You can also use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker preparation.

• Rice: White rice provides a lovely texture and soaks up all the delicious broth. Feel free to experiment with brown rice if you prefer.

• Cannellini Beans: These creamy white beans add a wonderful richness and heartiness to the chili.

• Cilantro & Lime: The dynamic duo! Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note, while lime juice provides a tangy zing that ties everything together.

• Jalapeño: A touch of heat to keep things interesting. Remove the seeds and membranes for less spice.

• Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful base of our chili.

• Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation for any great dish.

• Spices: Cumin and a touch of chili powder provide a warm, earthy undertone that complements the other flavors.

Ready to Get Cooking? Here's the Recipe:

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

• ½ cup uncooked white rice

• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add Spices and Chicken: Stir in the cumin and chili powder and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just until lightly browned.

3. Simmer the Chili: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

5. Add Beans and Rice: Stir in the rinsed and drained cannellini beans and uncooked white rice. Bring the chili back to a simmer, cover, and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Stir in Fresh Flavors: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Cilantro Lime Chicken Rice Chili into bowls. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Serving Suggestions:

This chili is delicious on its own, but you can also dress it up with your favorite toppings, such as:

• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Sliced avocado

• Crumbled tortilla chips

• A sprinkle of cotija cheese

Give this Cilantro Lime Chicken Rice Chili a try for your next chili night! We think you'll love the bright and refreshing flavors. Let us know in the comments below what you think and how you customized your batch! Enjoy from your Texas kitchen!