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Healthy Chicken Taco Rice Bowls - A Fresh, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-size pieces
  • Taco Seasoning: 2–3 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
  • Olive Oil: 1–2 tablespoons for cooking
  • Rice: 2 cups cooked brown rice or white rice (or use cauliflower rice for low-carb)
  • Black Beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup (frozen, fresh, or canned)
  • Bell Pepper: 1 large, diced
  • Red Onion: 1/2 small, finely diced
  • Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved (or use pico de gallo)
  • Avocado: 1 large, diced (or 1/2 cup guacamole)
  • Romaine or Greens: 2 cups, chopped
  • Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
  • Lime: 1–2 limes, cut into wedges
  • Greek Yogurt or Light Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (optional)
  • Salsa: 1/2–1 cup (mild, medium, or hot)
  • Shredded Cheese: 1/2 cup (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend; optional)
  • Salt and Pepper: to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice: Prepare brown or white rice according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt once cooked.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Toss with taco seasoning, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil until well coated.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add a drizzle of oil, then the chicken in a single layer. Cook 4–6 minutes, stirring once or twice, until browned and cooked through.
  4. Warm the beans and corn: In a small saucepan, heat black beans with a splash of water and a pinch of salt. Add corn to the skillet for 2–3 minutes to lightly char, or warm it with the beans.
  5. Prep the veggies: Chop bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, avocado, and greens. Slice limes and chop cilantro.
  6. Optional sauce: Stir together Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lime, a pinch of salt, and a dash of taco seasoning for a quick creamy drizzle.
  7. Assemble the bowls: Add a base of rice and greens. Top with chicken, beans, corn, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and avocado. Spoon on salsa, sprinkle with cilantro, and add cheese if using.
  8. Finish with freshness: Squeeze lime over the top and drizzle the yogurt sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.