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Southwest Chicken Bowls

A vibrant and nutritious meal that brings the flavors of the Southwest to your table, perfect for meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Meal Prep
Cuisine: Southwest, Tex-Mex
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for marinating)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Base
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice or brown rice (about 190 g uncooked) Optional: 1/2 cup cooked quinoa instead of rice
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained (about 165 g)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
  • 1 each red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 each avocado, sliced (add fresh before serving)
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over.
  3. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
Cook the Rice or Quinoa
  1. Rinse 1 cup of rice or quinoa under cold water.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes (white rice) or about 20 minutes (quinoa).
  4. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Let it cool slightly.
Prepare the Veggies and Beans
  1. While the grains cook, rinse and drain black beans, dice the red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and measure out corn kernels.
  2. Toss these together in a bowl.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Make the Dressing and Assemble Bowls
  1. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
  2. Drizzle over the veggie and bean mix and toss gently.
  3. In meal prep containers, divide the rice/quinoa base, then add the dressed veggies, sliced chicken, and top with fresh cilantro and avocado slices just before serving.

Notes

Store chicken bowls in airtight containers in the fridge for 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Add avocado fresh before serving.