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Flavorful Chicken Burrito Bowls with Easy Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice

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A quick and easy chicken burrito bowl recipe featuring juicy, spiced chicken with bright, zesty cilantro lime rice and fresh toppings for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Juice of ½ lime (for marinating)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine recommended)
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lime
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed)
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
  • Optional: diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Toss chicken breasts in the mixture until fully coated. Marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate up to 2 hours.
  2. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add rice and olive oil or butter, stir once, cover and reduce to low simmer.
  3. Simmer rice gently for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  4. Fluff rice with a fork. Add lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt to taste. Fold gently to combine.
  5. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is golden crusted.
  6. Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  7. Warm black beans and corn in a small saucepan or microwave. Slice avocado and prepare any additional toppings.
  8. Assemble bowls by spooning cilantro lime rice into each bowl. Top with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and shredded cheese. Add sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired, and garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedge.

Notes

Do not skip resting the chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. Rinse rice thoroughly to avoid gummy texture. Avoid stirring rice while simmering to maintain fluffiness. Use fresh lime juice and zest for best flavor. Marinate chicken while cooking rice to save time. Slice chicken against the grain for tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, cilantro lime rice, easy dinner, quick recipe, healthy meal, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free options

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/flavorful-chicken-burrito-bowls-with-easy-zesty-cilantro-lime-rice-recipe/