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Southwest Chicken Bowls - A Fresh, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Meal

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
  • Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • Spices for chicken: 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Lime: Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • Base: 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime), or quinoa/cauliflower rice
  • Beans: 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • Corn: 1 cup corn kernels (frozen and thawed, canned and drained, or grilled fresh)
  • Veggies: 1 red bell pepper (diced), 1 small red onion (thinly sliced), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • Avocado: 1–2 ripe avocados, sliced or diced
  • Cilantro: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Cheese (optional): 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija
  • Jalapeño (optional): 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced
  • Yogurt-Lime Sauce: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon mayo (optional for richness), juice of 1/2 lime, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, pinch of salt, splash of water to thin
  • Extras: Hot sauce, salsa, or pico de gallo; tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for crunch

Method
 

  1. Prep the base: Cook your rice or grain of choice according to package directions. Fluff and keep warm. If using cauliflower rice, sauté in a little oil with a pinch of salt until tender.
  2. Mix the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in lime zest.
  3. Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and rub the spice mix all over both sides. Let it sit 10 minutes while you prep the toppings.
  4. Prep toppings: Rinse and drain black beans. Dice bell pepper, slice onion, halve tomatoes, and chop cilantro. Slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
  5. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Cook chicken 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest and slice: Transfer chicken to a cutting board and rest 5 minutes. Squeeze lime juice over the top, then slice or cube.
  7. Warm the beans and corn: In the same skillet over medium heat, add black beans and corn with a pinch of salt and a splash of water. Stir until warmed, 2–3 minutes.
  8. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, mayo (if using), lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Add a splash of water to reach a drizzleable consistency.
  9. Assemble bowls: Add a scoop of rice to each bowl. Top with chicken, beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, and avocado. Sprinkle cheese and jalapeño if you like. Drizzle with the yogurt-lime sauce and add hot sauce or salsa.
  10. Add crunch: Finish with tortilla strips or crushed chips for texture. Garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge.