Spicy Chicken and Rice with Cilantro Lime Slaw (Affordable Weeknight Chicken Bowl)

Blackwell Smith
2026-03-16T21:30:40-04:00

This spicy chicken and rice bowl combines toasted lime basmati rice, warm black beans, grilled taco-spiced chicken, and a creamy jalapeño cilantro slaw for an affordable weeknight dinner.

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If you’re looking for a spicy chicken rice recipe that’s simple, affordable, and perfect for a weeknight dinner, this Xalapa chicken and rice bowl delivers big flavor without complicated steps.

The bowl builds flavor in layers:

toasted lime basmati rice
savory black beans
grilled taco-spiced chicken
creamy jalapeño cilantro slaw
fresh avocado

Many chicken and rice recipes fail because everything goes into the pan at once. That’s usually how you end up with burnt rice, dry chicken, or bland bowls.

This version solves those problems by building each component correctly and bringing them together at the end.

The result is a bowl that’s spicy, creamy, fresh, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Jalapeño Lime Rice

3 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup small diced red onion
1 cup basmati rice
1½ cups chicken stock
1 tsp lime zest
a few pinches Lucky Cajun Jalapeño seasoning

Black Beans

1 can black beans
½ cup chicken stock
salt if needed

Jalapeño Cilantro Cream Slaw( Sister In Law Slaw)

½ cup sour cream
1 clove garlic
½ fresh jalapeño (seeded if you prefer less heat)
zest and juice of 1 lime
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp Lucky Cajun Jalapeño seasoning
2 tbsp honey
1 cup fresh cilantro

½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 carrot, shredded
½ small red onion, thin sliced
5 cups cabbage, shredded

Chicken

3–4 chicken tenders per serving
2 tsp Lucky Cajun Taco Tuesday seasoning per serving
fresh lime juice
olive oil to coat

Instructions

Step 1 – Toast the Rice

Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a stainless pan.

Add the diced red onion and cook briefly until fragrant.

Add the basmati rice and toast it in the oil until the grains smell nutty and begin turning lightly tan in spots.

This step adds depth of flavor and prevents mushy rice.

Add:

1½ cups chicken stock
lime zest
a few pinches Lucky Cajun Jalapeño seasoning

Bring to a boil.

Cover tightly and cook on low heat until the rice is tender.

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Step 2 – Warm the Black Beans

Combine in a small pan:

1 can black beans
½ cup chicken stock

1 1/2 tablespoons Lucky Cajun Taco Tuesday

Simmer gently on low heat until warmed through.

Step 3 – Make the Jalapeño Cilantro Cream

In a food processor combine:

½ cup sour cream
1 clove garlic
½ jalapeño
zest and juice of one lime
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp Lucky Cajun Jalapeño seasoning
2 tbsp honey
1 cup fresh cilantro

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Pour the sauce over:

cherry tomatoes
shredded carrot
thin sliced red onion
shredded cabbage

Toss everything together to create the slaw.

Step 4 – Marinate and Cook the Chicken

For each serving, use 3–4 chicken tenders.

Season the chicken with:

2 teaspoons Lucky Cajun Taco Tuesday seasoning
fresh lime juice
olive oil to lightly coat

Let the chicken sit for 10–15 minutes so the seasoning begins to absorb.

Heat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat.

Grill the chicken tenders until lightly charred and cooked through.

Chicken tenders cook quickly, so watch them closely.

If the chicken finishes before the rest of the bowl is ready, keep them warm the same way many restaurants do — hold them in a small pan of well-seasoned hot chicken stock. This keeps them warm and tender without drying out.

Chicken breasts or thighs can also be used.

Step 5 – Build the Chicken and Rice Bowl

Start with the jalapeño lime rice.

Layer the bowl in this order:

rice
black beans
cheese
grilled chicken
cabbage slaw

Spoon some of the sauce that settles at the bottom of the slaw bowl over the top.

Finish with half an avocado, sliced.

For a quick visual of the assembly, refer to the video tutorial.

Leftovers

This bowl makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.

Try the extra ingredients in:

tacos
burritos
quesadillas
rice bowls

The cabbage slaw is also extremely versatile and works well as a fresh side for grilled meats, sandwiches, or tacos.

Common Chicken and Rice Problems

Why does rice burn?

Rice burns when heat is too high or the pot isn’t sealed properly. Keeping the heat low and covering tightly traps steam and cooks the rice evenly.

Should chicken be cooked before adding rice?

Yes. Cooking the chicken separately prevents it from overcooking while the rice finishes.

How spicy should a chicken rice bowl be?

Spice should enhance the bowl without overpowering it. Jalapeño seasoning adds heat while lime and honey balance the flavor.

Now you have everything you need to make a great chicken and rice bowl at home.

No lines.
No traffic.
No parking.
No $15 delivery fees.

Just real ingredients and a bowl that’s ready when you are.

Rock it.

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