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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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