Description
Mexican-inspired grilled chicken burrito bowls deliver a flavor-packed meal that combines zesty proteins with fresh ingredients. Hearty rice, charred veggies, and tangy toppings create a satisfying dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
Seasoning and Oil:
- 2.5 teaspoons oil
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (from 1 lime)
Bowl Components:
- 4 cups cooked rice (any variety)
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup pico de gallo (or salsa/chopped tomatoes)
- 0.5 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cotija, or queso fresco)
- 0.25 to 0.5 cup guacamole (or plain avocado)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by blending aromatic spices, salt, and pepper in a compact vessel. Incorporate oil and zesty lime juice, whisking until the mixture achieves a harmonious consistency.
- Transfer chicken thighs into a sealable plastic container, lavishly coating with the prepared marinade. Seal tightly, expelling excess air, and allow flavors to meld in the refrigerator for 45 minutes. Rotate chicken midway through marination. Extract from cold storage 15 minutes prior to grilling for optimal temperature equilibrium.
- Heat grill to a precise 375°F, creating an ideal searing environment. Position marinated chicken on the grates, cooking for 5 minutes on the initial side. Expertly flip and continue grilling for an additional 3 minutes. Monitor internal temperature, ensuring it reaches the safe 165°F threshold. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute before chopping.
- Construct personalized bowls by distributing rice as a foundational layer. Artfully arrange chopped chicken, complementing with black beans, vibrant pico de gallo, melted cheese, and creamy guacamole. Optional garnish of fresh cilantro adds a final aromatic touch.
Notes
- Enhance Marinade Depth by adding minced garlic or smoked paprika for extra flavor complexity that elevates the chicken’s taste profile.
- Customize Heat Levels easily by adjusting spice blend intensity, making the dish adaptable for mild to spicy preference ranges.
- Meal Prep Friendly recipe allows preparing components ahead, storing separately in refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weekdays.
- Dietary Flexibility supports multiple eating styles by swapping rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb options or using plant-based protein alternatives for vegetarian versions.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg