Southwest Chicken Bowl
This Southwest Chicken Bowl is a protein-packed, flavor-filled meal loaded with juicy spiced chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for meal prep, this bowl is fresh, nutritious, and customizable to your taste. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or greens for a satisfying, well-balanced meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of ½ lime
For the Bowl Base:
2 cups cooked rice (brown, white, or cilantro-lime rice) or quinoa
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, finely diced
1 avocado, diced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
Sliced jalapenos
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Hot sauce or salsa
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
1. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Coat the chicken with olive oil and spice mixture, then squeeze lime juice over it.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice.
Step 2: Prepare the Bowl Ingredients
4. Cook rice or quinoa according to package instructions.
5. If using frozen corn, heat it in a pan or microwave. Drain canned beans and rinse.
6. Dice the tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
7. Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
8. Divide the rice or quinoa into serving bowls.
9. Top with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.
10. Drizzle with the lime dressing and add optional toppings like cheese, jalapenos, or salsa.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~450
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~15g
Fiber: ~9g
Sodium: ~500mg
Notes & Tips
Meal Prep Friendly: Store all ingredients separately for up to 4 days and assemble when ready to eat.
Grilled Chicken Option: Instead of pan-frying, grill chicken over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side.
Low-Carb Version: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or extra greens.
Extra Creamy: Mash avocado with a little lime juice and salt before adding it tot he bowl.
Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or drizzle with hot sauce.
Enjoy your Southwest Chicken Bowl a healthy, bold, and satisfying meal!