Ingredients:

  • 5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • Juice of 2 large Limes (approx. 1/4 cup)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 2 large Ripe Avocados, diced into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 1 cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 Red Onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Coriander (Cilantro), roughly chopped
  • 1 Jalapeño or Serrano pepper, finely minced
  • Juice of 1 large Lime (for salsa)
  • Pinch of Salt (for salsa)
  • 2 cups Uncooked White or Brown Rice
  • 4 cups Water or Chicken Stock
  • 1 (15-ounce) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
  • Optional: Shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar Cheese
  • Optional: Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
  • Optional: Sliced Red Cabbage or Shredded Lettuce

Instructions:

  1. Cook Rice: Combine rice and water/stock in the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until water is absorbed. Keep covered off the heat.
  2. Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the salsa (minimum 15 minutes).
  3. Combine Salsa Base: Gently combine tomatoes, red onion, coriander, and minced chilli in a medium bowl.
  4. Add Avocado Last: Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado and lime juice. Season lightly with salt.
  5. Cook Chicken: Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (discarding any excess liquid). Cook in batches if necessary, about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  6. Warm Beans: While the chicken rests briefly, quickly warm the rinsed black beans in the same pan for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with a portion of the warm black beans, the cooked lime chicken, and finish generously with the fresh Avocado Salsa.
  8. Garnish: Add desired toppings (cheese, sour cream/yogurt) and serve immediately.