Ingredients
Scale
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
For the Beans:
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth
For the Bowl Assembly:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- 1 avocado, sliced or diced
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salsa or pico de gallo (optional)
- Tortilla chips for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add water or chicken broth and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes (or 40-45 minutes for brown rice) until the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in lime juice and cilantro. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beans
- Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and water or chicken broth. Stir and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
- Start with a base of cilantro-lime rice in each bowl.
- Add a layer of black beans, followed by shredded lettuce.
- Top with grilled chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, and avocado.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Garnish with salsa, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips if desired. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 40g