Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl
Are you tired of the same old bland meals? Maybe you’re craving something different but hearty, like a one-dish rice and protein combo. Look no further than the Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl! This dish is flavorful, healthy, and can be made in under 30 minutes.
It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, savory rice, and fresh veggies and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Not only is this meal satisfying and nutritious, but it’s also a breeze to make. With a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to savor the flavors of the Southwest in no time. So why not try it and make an easy dinner for tonight? Follow our recipe to make your own mouth-watering southwestern rice bowl!
Why Make a southwest chicken rice bowl?
This dish has a good burst of different flavors and textures making it a great dinner idea for those busy nights. The rice serves as the perfect base for the chicken, beans, and salsa. Flavorful, slightly-spicy chicken strips get complimented by the corn salsa, while the avocado adds a welcome creamy texture. The dish is equal parts tangy, spicy, and satisfying. It’s like having a burrito minus the tortilla wrap. In 30 minutes, you’ll have a savory meal that doubles as an easy meal on busy weeknights. It’s also great to be used as a meal prep dish!
Ingredients Needed for this Recipe
Ingredients
This Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious recipe and has just a few basic ingredients but superb taste. Here are the things you should add to your shopping list:
For The Bowl
- Chicken Breast
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Olive Oil Spray (substitute: Olive Oil)
- Cumin (to taste)
- Chili Powder (to taste)
- Garlic Powder (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh Cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime Wedges (for garnish)
- Rice
For Toppings
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Avocado
- Canned Black Beans
- Corn Salsa
- Sour Cream
- Tortilla Strips
For Corn Salsa
- Frozen Corn
- Red Onion
- Jalapeno (substitute: green chiles)
- Fresh Cilantro
- Lime Juice
- Salt
- Black Pepper
Equipment needed for this recipe
You’ll need a few tools to make this Southwestern Chicken Rice Bowl:
- Rice Cooker (for perfectly-cooked rice, every time) (optional)
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Can Opener (for the black beans)
- Skillet
- Small Bowl
- Wooden Spoon/Spatula
- Serving Bowl
Tools You’ll Need
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How to Make a Southwest Chicken and Rice Bowl
Step 1: Cook Rice
Start by cooking your rice in a rice cooker or on the stove.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Combine the raw chicken, lime juice, and seasonings in a mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and place in the fridge to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Corn Salsa
Prepare the corn salsa by combining the ingredients: corn, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt and pepper together in a bowl. If you want it spicy, keep some jalapeno seeds mixed in. Set aside.
Step 4: Cook the chicken
Once the chicken is done marinating. In a large skillet or cast iron pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil on medium-high heat. Once heated, cook the chicken with the marinade for 7-10 minutes on each side, with the lid on. Remove from heat and let rest a few minutes before cutting. Then slice into strips.
Step 5: Assemble the Rice Bowls
Arrange your bowl. As this is a single-serving recipe, feel free to use any size bowl you like! To assemble your bowl: First, add a cup rice, then top with chicken, black beans, corn salsa, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and sour cream.
Step 6: Garnish
Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. And serve with tortilla chips on the side. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Cooking your chicken in its marinade results in evenly seasoned, more flavorful chicken.
- Thaw the frozen corn and cook it over medium heat. That way, you’re sure the corn salsa is ready to add as a topping to your chicken bowl.
- Slice your avocado just right before you serve your Southwestern Chicken Rice Bowl. This way, it won’t get brownish and taste creamy and fresh. If you need to prepare it in advance, soaking the slices in lemon or lime juice can help with the discoloration.
- Toast the tortilla strips before crumbling them into the dish. This will give a crunchy texture that contrasts with vegetables and meat.
Storage and Leftovers for Southwest Chicken Bowls
This single serving Southwest Chicken and Rice Bowl is designed for one person so we doubt you’ll have leftovers! This is a great recipe to double or triple and keep the extra servings a single portions for lunch later in the week.
But in case you do, here’s what we recommend:
- If you plan on saving some for the next meal, store the rice, chicken, salsa, and toppings separately. This way, the chicken and rice bowl won’t get soggy when reheated.
- Reheat the rice and chicken separately. We recommend adding a splash of water to the rice so it won’t dry out.
- For the chicken and black beans, we recommend heating them together in a skillet.
- Keep the corn salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator before serving. You can also make a bigger batch of corn salsa, as it goes with many other dishes!
- Extra avocado slices can be kept in a container with some lime juice squeezed in until served.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s Make this Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowl
This single serving Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful one-dish meal that offers a burst of flavors and textures. With its combination of tender chicken, savory rice, and fresh vegetables, this recipe provides a hearty and nutritious option for those seeking a satisfying meal for one person.
You can have a flavorful and healthy meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner with just a few simple ingredients. This dish can be easily customized to suit individual taste preferences, making it a versatile choice for any palate. Whether you’re cooking for yourself and looking for a quick dinner option or packing lunch for the work week, this recipe is a winner. So, why not spice up your dinner routine and indulge in the mouth-watering flavors of the Southwest? Give it a try tonight and savor the satisfaction of a homemade meal that brings together the best of Tex-Mex cuisine in a single bowl.
Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1
Description
This single serving Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful one-dish meal that offers a burst of flavors and textures. With its combination of tender chicken, savory rice, and fresh vegetables, this recipe provides a hearty and nutritious option for those seeking a satisfying meal for one person.
Ingredients
For The Bowl:
- 1 chicken breast (4 oz. – 6oz.)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Cooking Spray
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
- 1/2 cup dry rice
For the Toppings:
- 3 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 Tb sour cream
- 2 Tbs crispy tortilla strips
- Corn Salsa
For the Corn Salsa:
- 1/4 cup frozen corn, cooked
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup jalapeno, deseeded and diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 Tb lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a rice cooker or on the stove, start to cook your rice.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, lime juice, and seasonings. Cover with plastic wrap and place in fridge to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Prepare the corn salsa by combining the ingredients in a bowl. If you want it spicy, keep some jalapeno seeds mixed in. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or cast iron pan, heat 1 Tb oil on medium heat.
- Once heated, cook the chicken with the marinade for 7-10 minutes on each side, with lid.
- Remove from heat and let rest a few minutes before cutting. Then slice into strips.
- Arrange your bowls. First add rice, then top with chicken, black beans, corn salsa, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, sour cream, and tortilla strips.
- Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. And serve with tortilla chips on the side. Enjoy!
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