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Southwest Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 58 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Southwest American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

A vibrant and flavorful Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl featuring tender marinated grilled chicken, fresh black bean and corn salsa, and creamy cilantro lime dressing, served over fluffy rice. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Southwest Chicken Marinade

  • 6 ounces plain Greek yogurt 2% or whole milk Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • Half of a lime juiced
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (estimated for 4 servings)

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

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

Cilantro Lime Dressing

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

Other Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown rice)


Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the yogurt, cilantro leaves, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Place the chicken breasts and marinade into a freezer bag, remove air, seal, and massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours.
  2. Prepare the Black Bean and Corn Salsa: In a mixing bowl, combine black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Make the Cilantro Lime Dressing: Place all dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a jar or bowl, cover, and refrigerate until use.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat grill or oven to 400° F. If grilling, clean and oil grill grates. Cook chicken breasts on the grill for 6 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165° F. Remove and let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked rice evenly into 4 bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, a generous scoop of black bean and corn salsa, and drizzle with cilantro lime dressing. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Store the bowl components separately for up to 4 days to maintain freshness; especially keep the dressing separate.
  • For enhanced flavor, substitute steamed rice with cilantro lime rice.
  • Marinating for at least 1 hour is recommended to infuse flavor and tenderize the chicken.
  • Adjust honey and lime juice in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165° F internal temperature.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg