The Best Honey Lime Chicken with Cilantro Lime Rice (Better Than Takeout)
Sweet, zesty, and dangerously easy.
There are some dinners that make you question why you ever paid for takeout in the first place. This is one of those.
This Honey Lime Chicken with Cilantro Lime Rice is one of my absolute favorite “weeknight but make it special” meals. It’s sweet from the honey, bright from the lime, savory from the bouillon and soy sauce, and fresh from the cilantro. And somehow, all of that comes together in a way that tastes like something you’d order from your favorite fast-casual bowl place… except you made it in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Which honestly feels powerful.
Why This Combo Works
This meal hits all the right notes:
- sweet
- tangy
- savory
- fresh
- cozy
- protein-packed
The chicken gets marinated in a simple mix of lime juice, honey, garlic, bouillon, soy sauce, and spices, which gives it a flavor that’s bold without being overwhelming. Then it cooks up juicy and caramelized, especially if you brush on a little extra marinade while it cooks.
Pair that with fluffy cilantro lime rice and suddenly you’ve got a bowl that feels bright and satisfying at the same time.
A Fun Flavor Fact 🍯🍋
Honey + lime is a classic pairing in Latin-inspired cooking because the sweetness balances acidity and spice. It’s the same reason citrus and sugar show up together in everything from marinades to cocktails — they amplify each other.
Basically, this combo is science-backed delicious.
The Marinade Is the Star
This chicken doesn’t need a complicated sauce. The marinade does all the work.
Between the honey, lime, garlic, cilantro, bouillon, and spices, it’s already layered with flavor. Letting the chicken soak in it even briefly makes a big difference — and saving a little to brush on while it cooks gives you that glossy, sticky, restaurant-style finish.
It’s simple, but it hits.
Why Cilantro Lime Rice Is the Perfect Partner
Cilantro lime rice is fresh, fluffy, and slightly tangy — which balances the richness and sweetness of the chicken perfectly. It’s not just a base, it’s part of the flavor story.
This is the kind of rice that makes you keep eating even after the chicken is gone.
What This Tastes Like
Imagine:
- juicy, slightly sticky honey-lime chicken
- bright citrusy notes
- savory depth from bouillon + soy
- warm spices
- fresh cilantro
- fluffy rice that soaks up every drop
It’s cozy but light, bold but balanced — exactly what you want from a dinner that’s supposed to replace takeout.
Why This Is on Repeat in My House
This recipe is:
- quick
- flexible
- high-protein
- meal-prep friendly
- picky-eater approved
- and always a hit
It’s one of those dinners that makes everyone ask, “Can we make this again?”
When to Make This
Perfect for:
- busy weeknights
- meal prep
- easy entertaining
- when you’re craving something fresh but filling
- when you want a bowl that actually tastes exciting
Basically any time you want dinner to feel a little special without extra effort.
The Best Honey Lime Chicken with Cilantro Lime Rice (Better Than Takeout)
Ingredients
Honey Lime Chicken
- 1 lb thin-sliced chicken breast
- 1 tbsp Better Than Bouillon chicken base
- Juice of 1 large lime or 2 small limes about 2 tbsp
- 3 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Chili lime seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp reserved marinade for brushing while cooking
Cilantro Lime Rice
- 2 cups basmati rice white or brown
- 3 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp kosher salt plus more as needed
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the bouillon, lime juice, honey, cilantro, garlic, soy sauce, chili lime seasoning, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the marinade for brushing while cooking. Set aside. Add the chicken and toss to coat.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the rice, bay leaf, and salt. Stir once, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer until water is absorbed, about 18 minutes for white rice or about 50 minutes for brown rice. Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf, fluff with a fork, then stir in olive oil, lime juice, lemon juice, and cilantro.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, brushing with reserved marinade if desired for extra glaze.
- Serve: Spoon cilantro lime rice into bowls and top with honey lime chicken. Spoon any extra pan juices over the top before serving.
