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Colombian Dinner: Juicy Grilled Lemon Chicken with Cilantro-Lime Rice & Avocado Salsa

A flavorful colombian dinner perfect for standard eaters - made for visual appeal and culinary depth.

🕒 (Prep, Cook, Total) Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
🍽 Servings: This recipe serves 6 people.
🔥 Difficulty: The difficulty of this recipe is easy.
🌎 Cuisine: Colombian

Allergens

Contains no common allergens unless specified.

Ingredients

  • 6 bone
  • in chicken thighs 4 lemons, zested and juiced 1/2 cup olive oil 4 cups jasmine rice 8 cups water 4 teaspoons salt 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 lime, zested and juiced 2 avocados, diced 1 red onion, finely chopped 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (optional) 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Grill the marinated chicken until cooked through, approximately 6 8 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  3. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil, add salt, and cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, stir in cilantro and lime zest and juice. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  4. In a small bowl, combine avocado, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and salt. Mix gently to create the salsa.
  5. To plate, serve a generous portion of rice, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with a dollop of avocado salsa.

Chef’s Insight

To enhance the lemon flavor, consider adding a touch of lemon zest to the cooked rice before serving. For an extra burst of color and freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro leaves.

Notes

This recipe uses bone-in chicken thighs for added flavor and moisture, but you can substitute boneless chicken breasts if preferred.

Cultural or Historical Background

Colombian cuisine is diverse and vibrant, influenced by indigenous, African, and European culinary traditions. This dish showcases the use of local ingredients like rice, avocado, and citrus fruits in a simple yet flavorful preparation.