Description
The Southwest Chicken Bowl is a delightful meal that combines vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, featuring grilled chicken, quinoa, black beans, corn, and avocado.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450 g)
- 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
- 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for grilling
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl. Rub the mixture on the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest before slicing.
- Prepare the quinoa by rinsing it under cold water, then cooking it in a saucepan with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork after letting it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the bowl by starting with a scoop of quinoa, then layering on sliced grilled chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.
- Drizzle fresh lime juice over the assembled bowl and add any optional toppings like cheese, jalapeños, or sour cream before serving warm.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken is essential for flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken to avoid dryness.
- Rinse quinoa to remove bitterness.
- Let quinoa sit after cooking for fluffiness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Southwest Chicken Bowl, healthy meal, grilled chicken, quinoa, meal prep