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Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

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The beauty of this recipe is that you can mix and match ingredients, but here’s a classic and delicious version:

Ingredients

For the Grilled Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime

For the Rice:

  • 1 cup white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)

For the Toppings:

  • 1 cup black beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (or pico de gallo)
  • ½ cup guacamole (or sliced avocado)
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Hot sauce or salsa (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken

  1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
  2. Rub the marinade over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).
  4. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  5. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
  6. Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
  2. In a medium pot, bring water or broth to a boil, then add the rice and salt.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes (or according to package instructions).
  4. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro for extra freshness.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

  • Black Beans – Heat them in a small saucepan over low heat or serve cold.
  • Corn – If using frozen, thaw it; if fresh, you can grill or sauté it lightly for added flavor.
  • Tomatoes/Pico de Gallo – Dice fresh tomatoes or use store-bought salsa.
  • Guacamole – Mash ripe avocados with a bit of lime juice, salt, and optional diced onions and tomatoes.

Step 4: Assemble the Burrito Bowls

  1. Start with a base of rice in each bowl.
  2. Add sliced grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
  3. Top with guacamole, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and sour cream.
  4. Drizzle with hot sauce, salsa, or extra lime juice.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

  • Use fresh ingredients – Fresh lime juice, ripe avocados, and high-quality spices make a difference.
  • Marinate the chicken longer – If you have time, let it sit for a few hours for even more flavor.
  • Grill the corn for extra flavor – Slightly charred corn adds a smoky sweetness.
  • Meal prep ahead – Cook extra chicken and rice to enjoy throughout the week.
  • Author: niold.com