Imagine a dish that combines the smoky char of perfectly grilled chicken, the creamy richness of melted queso blanco, and the bright, zesty notes of cilantro lime rice. This isn't just another chicken recipe—this is a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Mexican-inspired feast that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! Get ready to elevate your grilling game with a recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup queso blanco cheese
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400°F (204°C), ensuring the cooking surface is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- While the grill heats, prepare the cilantro lime rice by mixing cooked rice with freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice, stirring gently to distribute flavors evenly.
- Place chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on the first side, developing nice grill marks and ensuring even cooking.
- Flip the chicken and immediately top each breast with a generous portion of queso blanco cheese, allowing it to melt slightly during the remaining cooking time.
- Continue grilling for an additional 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Remove chicken from the grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and prevent dryness.
- Plate the cilantro lime rice and place the cheese-topped grilled chicken directly on top of the rice.
- Garnish with additional fresh chopped cilantro and a lime wedge for extra flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the cheese is still melted.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F—no exceptions for food safety!
- Cheese Melting Hack: Place cheese on chicken during the last 2-3 minutes of grilling for perfect, gooey coverage without burning.
- Rice Preparation: Use day-old rice or let freshly cooked rice cool slightly before mixing with cilantro and lime to prevent mushiness.
- Marinating Option: For extra flavor, marinate chicken in taco seasoning and a touch of olive oil for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Grill Maintenance: Clean and lightly oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful grill marks.
- Resting Period: Always let grilled chicken rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness.
- Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or add jalapeños for extra kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
