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Creamy Jalapeño Cilantro Chicken & Wild Rice Bowl

This Creamy Jalapeño Cilantro Chicken & Wild Rice Bowl is bold, cozy, and packed with flavor. Juicy spice-rubbed chicken is paired with buttery wild rice tossed with fresh cilantro and lime, then finished with a creamy jalapeño-cilantro sauce that brings just the right amount of heat. It’s a nourishing, satisfying meal that works beautifully for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika smoked is great
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
Wild Rice
  • 1 cup wild rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • ½ tsp salt
Creamy Jalapeño Cilantro Sauce
  • 4 jalapeños seeds removed for less heat, optional
  • 1 cup mayo
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp lime juice
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • ¾ cup cilantro rest of the bunch
  • ¼ cup feta cheese
  • ½ tsp salt

Equipment

  • Blender

Method
 

Cook the Chicken
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Pat chicken dry and place on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
  3. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.
  4. Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Make the Wild Rice
  1. Add wild rice and chicken broth to a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  2. Cover and cook for 45–50 minutes, or until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. (Drain excess liquid if needed.)
  3. Turn off heat and stir in butter, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
  4. Cover for 2–3 minutes to melt butter, then fluff with a fork until combined.
Blend the Sauce
  1. Add jalapeños, mayo, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, feta, and salt to a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
  3. Taste and adjust salt or lime if desired.
Assemble
  1. Spoon wild rice into bowls, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle with creamy jalapeño cilantro sauce. Add extra cilantro, feta, or lime wedges if you would like.