Back to Recipes

Skillet Spicy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Name: Skillet Spicy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Cauliflower Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, diced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 4 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen); 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice and zest of 1 lime; 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water; sliced avocado, extra cilantro leaves, lime wedges

By PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished May 5, 2026 | Updated Oct 9, 2026

Mexican-Inspired 28 mins onepanskilletlowcarbquickeasyflavorfultimessaver

Skillet Spicy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Cauliflower Rice with measured ingredients, 28-minute timing, 4-serving yield, and step-by-step instructions for one-pot, one-pan, skillet, casserole, and sheet-pan recipes.

Prep 10 min

Cook 18 min

Total 28 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Ingredients

Servings 4

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
4 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice and zest of 1 lime
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
sliced avocado, extra cilantro leaves, lime wedges

Ingredients for Skillet Spicy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Add the sliced chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large non-stick skillet.
Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and the thickest pieces reach 165 F (74 C), checking with a food thermometer. The listed 4-5 minutes is an estimate; continue cooking as needed. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet along with chicken broth or water. Stir to combine, then cover and cook for 5 minutes until cauliflower is tender but not mushy.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. Mix everything until well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Remove from heat and serve immediately. Top with optional avocado slices, extra cilantro, and lime wedges if desired.