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Flavorful Loaded Southwest Chicken Bowls Recipe Perfect for Meal Prep

Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls - featured image

These Loaded Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls are colorful, bursting with bold flavors, and ridiculously easy to customize, making them perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a quick lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup pico de gallo or diced tomatoes
  • 1 ripe avocado (diced or sliced)
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Hot sauce or salsa (optional, for added spice)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge).
  2. Cook the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add rice, water (or chicken broth), olive oil, and a pinch of salt to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Set aside.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165Β°F or 74Β°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  4. Prepare the toppings: While the chicken cooks, dice the avocado, make fresh pico de gallo (or use store-bought), and gather your black beans, corn, and shredded cheese.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Start with a base of cilantro-lime rice in each bowl. Add the sliced chicken, black beans, corn, pico de gallo, avocado, and shredded cheese. Drizzle with hot sauce or salsa, if desired.
  6. Garnish & serve: Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor.’, ‘Use fresh ingredients like cilantro, lime, and avocado for the best taste.’, ‘Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a perfect sear.’, ‘Customize the spice level by adjusting cayenne pepper or adding hot sauce.’, ‘Use store-bought pico de gallo and pre-cooked rice for a quicker option.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Southwest Chicken Bowls, Burrito Bowls, Meal Prep, Healthy Dinner, Easy Recipe, Gluten-Free, Customizable