Description
These quick and easy fresh salsa chicken bowls feature juicy, seasoned chicken served over a bed of rice with black beans, corn, creamy avocado, and a vibrant homemade tomato salsa, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a colorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 600 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Base and Toppings
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (about 15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Fresh Salsa
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly seasoned for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Rest and Slice the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Fresh Salsa: Combine diced tomatoes, finely diced red onion, chopped jalapeño, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix well to create a fresh, flavorful salsa.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top each with black beans, corn kernels, diced avocado, and sliced chicken.
- Add Salsa and Cheese: Generously spoon the fresh salsa over the chicken and other ingredients. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for a creamy and savory finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each bowl with additional fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the bowls as desired.
Notes
- For quicker prep, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts yourself.
- Substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for heavier sauces to keep the bowls light and tangy.
- Replace rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to add variety or lower carbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired, Tex-Mex
