Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours, in the fridge.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Cook the rice: In a saucepan, combine the rice and water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add cilantro and lime: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the lime juice, olive oil, fresh cilantro, and salt to taste. Set aside.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat grill or skillet: Heat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
- Layer the ingredients: Start with a base of cilantro lime rice. Add sliced grilled chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and shredded lettuce.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle with shredded cheese and drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt if using. Add salsa or pico de gallo for extra flavor.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
- Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy the flavorful combination of grilled chicken, zesty rice, and fresh veggies!
Tips:
- Meal Prep: These bowls are great for meal prep! Store the components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
- Spice Level: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like your bowls spicy.
- Grill Alternatives: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Conclusion:
This Mexican Grilled Chicken Bowl is packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. It’s an easy, customizable meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Enjoy the delicious grilled chicken with tangy cilantro lime rice and all your favorite toppings!