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Southwest Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Southwestern
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Delicious and vibrant Southwest Chicken Rice Bowls featuring marinated grilled chicken, zesty black bean and corn salsa, and a creamy cilantro lime dressing, served over fluffy rice. Perfect for a fresh and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Southwest Chicken Ingredients

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen and thawed
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of half a lime
  • Salt to taste

Cilantro Lime Dressing

  • 6 ounces plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • Juice of half a lime
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)


Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade and Marinate Chicken: Combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a glass measuring cup and whisk well. Place chicken breasts in a freezer bag, pour marinade over them, remove air, seal, and massage marinade into chicken. Refrigerate for 1-3 hours.
  2. Preheat Grill or Oven: Remove chicken from fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat grill or oven to 400° F. If using grill, clean and oil grates.
  3. Cook Chicken: Grill chicken for 4-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165° F, or bake in oven for approximately 20-25 minutes. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  4. Make Black Bean and Corn Salsa: In a mixing bowl, combine black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir to mix well. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Prepare Cilantro Lime Dressing: Place Greek yogurt, cilantro, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt into a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  6. Assemble Bowls: Divide cooked rice evenly into four bowls. Top with sliced chicken, black bean and corn salsa, and drizzle cilantro lime dressing on top. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • Store components separately or in individual portions to maintain freshness for up to 4 days.
  • Keep the cilantro lime dressing stored separately to avoid soggy ingredients.
  • For extra flavor, use cilantro lime rice instead of plain cooked rice.
  • Chicken cooking time may vary depending on thickness; always check internal temperature for doneness.
  • Use fresh lime juice for best taste.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg