Mexican Shredded Chicken Bowl
This dish features slow-cooked or sautéed shredded chicken seasoned with garlic, cumin, chili powder, and lime. It’s layered with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado, creating a balanced bowl with bold Mexican flavors.
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Ingredients
For the Shredded Chicken
500 g boneless chicken breast
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Juice of 1 lime
½ cup chicken broth or water
For the Rice Base
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Pinch salt
Bowl Toppings
1 cup black beans, drained
1 cup corn kernels
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, diced
¼ cup fresh cilantro
½ cup shredded lettuce
Optional Garnishes
Salsa
Greek yogurt or sour cream
shredded cheese
jalapeño slices
lime wedges
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add:
garlic
chili powder
cumin
paprika
oregano
Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chicken breasts and pour in chicken broth. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes until fully cooked.
2. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pan and use two forks to shred it.
Return the shredded chicken to the pan and mix with the remaining sauce and lime juice. Cook for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavor.
3. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice
In a bowl combine:
cooked rice
lime juice
chopped cilantro
a pinch of salt
Mix well.
4. Prepare the Bowl Ingredients
Wash and chop the vegetables:
slice avocado
halve tomatoes
dice onion
rinse beans and corn
5. Assemble the Bowls
Divide ingredients into bowls:
1. Add cilantro lime rice as the base
2. Top with shredded chicken
3. Add beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, lettuce, and onion
4. Sprinkle cilantro and add optional toppings
Flavor Profile
Savory and smoky: seasoned chicken
Fresh and citrusy: lime and cilantro
Creamy: avocado
Crunchy: lettuce and vegetables
Nutritional Value
Calories 450–520 kcal
Protein 35–40 g
Carbohydrates 45–55 g
Fat 14–18 g
Fiber 8–10 g