Description
Savor Mexican-inspired chicken & avocado bowl, packed with zesty flavors and nutritious ingredients. Crisp veggies, tender grilled chicken, and creamy avocado create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 medium chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Vegetables and Fruits:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 2 cups mixed greens or lettuce
Base and Seasonings:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice (or quinoa)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing:
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Marinate the proteins by generously coating chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic spices, ensuring each side receives an even distribution of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet or grill to medium temperature, lightly brushing with olive oil to prevent sticking, then cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior develops a golden-brown crust.
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes, which helps retain moisture and ensures tenderness before slicing into elegant, diagonal strips.
- Prepare the foundation of the bowl by spreading a layer of fluffy brown rice or quinoa, creating a nutritious base for the remaining ingredients.
- Artfully arrange sliced chicken atop the grain, creating a visually appealing centerpiece for the bowl.
- Enhance the bowl’s texture and flavor by adding diced creamy avocado, vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy red onion, and a handful of fresh mixed greens.
- Craft a zesty dressing by whisking together bright lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, a touch of honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
- Drizzle the homemade dressing generously over the bowl, ensuring each ingredient is lightly coated with the citrusy vinaigrette.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, adding a final burst of color and herbaceous aroma before serving immediately.
Notes
- Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and keeps the bowl’s texture similar.
- Use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time and simplify meal preparation.
- Select ripe but firm avocados to prevent mushy texture and ensure clean, neat dicing for a visually appealing bowl presentation.
- Consider preparing components in advance like marinated chicken and chopped vegetables to create a quick weeknight meal that saves time during busy schedules.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg