These quick and easy Cilantro Lime Chicken Cauli Rice Bowls take just 10 MINUTES to make! Its a delicious paleo meal that makes weeknight dinner an absolute cinch!!.
After slowly recovering from 3 weeks of serious illness this fall, I found it very challenging to get back into a weekly routine of getting kids to school, working, and still finding time and energy to put a truly healthy paleo dinner on the table each night.
Kevins Natural Foods easy entrées have been a total lifesaver. Theyre paleo, dairy-free, and gluten-free, so I can rest easy that theyre safe for my little one with food sensitivities–which can be SO tricky when Mama is looking for some easy mealtime shortcuts!.
I had been invited to take part in Kevins Natural Foods Blogger Recipe Challenge, so Id received some amazing samples of their easy meal starters, and WOW, these make creating a healthy dinner such a snap!.
With entrée options like Mongolian-Style Beef, Peppercorn Steak Tips, Chicken Tikka Masala, there are so many easy dinner possibilities to keep things interesting. The ideas are endless!.
For the recipe Im sharing with you today, I used their Cilantro Lime Chicken entrée–one of our favorites! The seasoning is just enough to be super flavorful and exciting, without being too spicy for little palates.
Whipping together this easy weeknight dinner really does take just 10 minutes! Heres how quick and easy this is: .
Youre going to follow the directions on the Kevins Natural Foods package here, and it really does take just 5 minutes. Heat your skillet for 1 minute with 1TBSP of your choice of cooking oil. Add the drained chicken to the hot skillet and saute for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Reduce heat to low and add the included sauce packet, stirring for 30 seconds to evenly coat the chicken.
This is so fast. Pop it in the microwave as youre starting the chicken, and theyll be done at the same time!.
Then top according to taste: Add chopped avocado, prepared guacamole–or both! Then add the pico de gallo. You can use salsa instead if you need to, but I love how fresh pico de gallo makes this recipe taste. ) Last, top generously with chopped fresh cilantro. AND. youre ready for the table! Its that easy.
I hope you enjoy this quick and easy meal as much as we do! Heres a printable copy of the recipe. Then below, find some answers to common questions about making perfect quesadillas at home.
Are you staring at that package of Kevin’s Cilantro Lime Chicken in your fridge and wondering what to pair it with? I’ve been there! This zesty, flavorful chicken entrée is a fantastic shortcut for busy weeknights, but choosing the perfect side dishes can really elevate your meal from good to OMG-level delicious.
Kevin’s Natural Foods has created a winner with their Cilantro Lime Chicken – it’s packed with bright flavors that deserve equally exciting companions on your plate. After experimenting with countless combinations (and some happy accidents!), I’ve put together this guide to the absolute best sides that complement those vibrant cilantro and lime notes.
The Perfect Pairings for Kevin’s Cilantro Lime Chicken
1. Cilantro Lime Rice
To begin, cilantro lime rice is the most obvious (but also the best) way to go with this dish. It has the same flavors as the chicken and is perfect for soaking up all that tasty sauce.
Quick Recipe:
- Cook your favorite rice according to package directions
- Fluff with a fork and stir in:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime zest and juice
- A touch of butter
- Salt to taste
The spicy, bright flavors go well with the chicken and help make your meal complete with a satisfying carb.
2. Mexican Street Corn
Mexican Street Corn (Elote) is a fan favorite that adds creamy, spicy, zesty elements to complement the chicken perfectly. The contrast between the sweet corn and tangy lime chicken creates a flavor explosion!
You can serve it on the cob or as Esquites, which means “street corn off the cob.” Any way you look at it, the charred corn, creamy sauce, sour lime, and cheese make for a great side dish.
3. Fresh Avocado Salad
For a light, refreshing counterpoint to the chicken, an avocado salad is perfect! The creamy texture of ripe avocados provides a wonderful contrast to the zesty chicken.
Simple Avocado Salad Recipe:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red onion, finely diced
- Cucumber, chopped
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice and olive oil dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
This colorful, nutritious salad brings a cool, creamy element to balance the vibrant flavors of the chicken. Plus, it’s ready in about 5 minutes!
4. Black Bean Salsa
Black bean salsa offers vibrant color and a protein boost alongside your chicken. The combination of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro creates a flavorful side that complements the chicken perfectly.
You can use it as a topping for the chicken or serve it alongside as a side dish. Either way, it adds texture, nutrition, and a burst of flavor to your meal.
5. Garlic Rice
It’s sometimes best to keep things simple. The garlic rice gives the cilantro lime chicken a savory background that lets it shine while still adding its own delicious flavor.
The gentle garlic flavor complements without overwhelming the chicken’s cilantro lime profile. It’s also super easy to make – just sauté some minced garlic in butter before adding your rice and cooking as normal.
6. Mango Salsa
For a sweet-savory-spicy combination that’ll knock your socks off, try pairing your cilantro lime chicken with fresh mango salsa!
Quick Mango Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime juice
- Pinch of salt
The tropical sweetness of the mango contrasts beautifully with the tangy lime chicken, creating a balanced bite that’s truly satisfying.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes add a lovely color contrast and nutritional boost to your plate. Their natural sweetness creates an interesting flavor dynamic with the zesty chicken.
Simply cube them, toss with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of cumin or cinnamon, then roast at 425°F for about 25 minutes until caramelized and tender. So simple, but so good!
8. Quinoa Pilaf
For a nutrient-rich alternative to rice, quinoa pilaf is a fantastic option! Its fluffy texture and nutty flavor profile make it an excellent canvas for the cilantro lime flavors to shine.
Quinoa contains complete protein, making this a particularly nutritious pairing. Add some sautéed vegetables, herbs, and a squeeze of lime for a side dish that’s both delicious and good for you.
9. Cornbread
The slight sweetness and crumbly texture of cornbread makes it a surprising but delightful partner for cilantro lime chicken.
The contrast between the sweet, cakey cornbread and the zesty, savory chicken creates a perfect balance. Serve it warm with a generous spread of honey butter for an extra touch of indulgence!
10. Tortilla Chips and Guacamole
Sometimes the simplest option is the best! Crispy tortilla chips with creamy guacamole provide the perfect textural contrast to the tender chicken.
You can use store-bought chips and guac, or make your own for extra flavor points. Either way, this combo is always a crowd-pleaser and takes virtually no time to prepare.
Turn It Into Tacos!
One of my favorite ways to serve Kevin’s Cilantro Lime Chicken is to transform it into amazing tacos! According to Kevin’s Natural Foods’ own recipe, you can create incredible cilantro lime chicken tacos with just a few additional ingredients.
For Quick Tacos:
- Cook the chicken according to package directions
- Warm some corn tortillas
- Make a simple pico de gallo with tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice
- Add some guacamole
- Assemble and enjoy!
This turns your chicken entrée into a complete meal that’s fun to eat and bursting with fresh flavors.
Tips for Serving Success
No matter which sides you choose, here are some tips for serving Kevin’s Cilantro Lime Chicken:
- Temperature balance: Serve something cool (like avocado salad) with the warm chicken for contrast
- Texture variety: Combine creamy, crunchy, and tender elements for an interesting plate
- Color contrast: Add vibrant vegetables to make your plate visually appealing
- Flavor echoing: Use cilantro and lime in your sides to create cohesive flavor profiles
- Keep it simple: Let the chicken be the star by not overcomplicating your sides
Final Thoughts
Kevin’s Cilantro Lime Chicken is versatile enough to pair with countless side dishes, but these ten options are consistently delicious companions. Whether you’re looking for something light and fresh or rich and satisfying, there’s a perfect pairing on this list!
My personal fave is serving it with Mexican street corn and avocado salad for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these options.
What’s your favorite way to serve Kevin’s Cilantro Lime Chicken? I’d love to hear your creative pairings in the comments below!
Note: This article contains suggestions for Kevin’s Natural Foods Cilantro Lime Chicken entrée, which is a pre-packaged product available in many grocery stores. The chicken comes with its own cilantro lime sauce, making it a convenient option for quick meals.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Cauli Rice Bowl
- 1 16 ounce package Kevins Cilantro Lime Chicken
- 1 12 ounce package steamable riced cauliflower
- chopped avocado or prepared guacamole
- 1 10 ounce container fresh pico de gallo
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- Put 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil of your choice in the pan and heat it for one minute.
- When the pan is hot, add the chicken that has been drained. Cook for one to two minutes on each side until the chicken is lightly browned.
- Turn down the heat and add the sauce packet that came with it. Stir the chicken around for 30 seconds to make sure it’s evenly coated.
- This is so fast. Start cooking the chicken and put it in the microwave at the same time. They’ll be done at the same time!
- First add the steamed cauliflower rice, dividing evenly between bowls.
- Now, add the hot Cilantro Lime Chicken again and divide it evenly among the bowls.
- Then, add whatever you like on top: guacamole, chopped avocado, or both!
- Then add the pico de gallo. You can use salsa instead if you need to, but I love how fresh pico de gallo makes this recipe taste. ) .
- Last, top generously with chopped fresh cilantro. AND. youre ready for the table! Its that easy!.
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Kevin’s Natural Foods: Cilantro Lime Chicken Review
FAQ
What to pair with cilantro lime chicken?
Serving Suggestions I love to pile rice (try some coconut lime rice to double down on the cilantro-lime flavors!), lettuce, black beans, tomatoes, salsa, and jalapeños into a bowl and top it with the cilantro-lime chicken. It also works great in tacos or as a main course with Spanish rice and a side salad.
What to eat with cilantro lime ranch?
Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing is a fun twist on a classic dressing! This dressing goes great on green salads, pasta salads, and taco salads, or you can use it anywhere else you would use regular ranch dressing, but want to add zippy twist. Dip your favorite raw veggies to keep it healthy, or even use it as a pizza dip!.
What to serve with Kevin’s orange chicken?
Cook your cauliflower rice or brown rice according to package instructions. Add some oil to the pan you cooked the chicken in and add in your broccoli. Cook about 5 minutes until fork tender. Plate your rice, Kevin’s Orange Chicken, and broccoli.
What food goes well with cilantro lime rice?
How to Serve Cilantro Lime RiceBlack beans or pinto beans. Tofu sofritas. Fajita veggies. Guacamole. Pico de gallo, salsa verde, or corn salsa….