Fiesta Chicken Bowls
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a fiesta in a bowl? Are you craving a Chipotle chicken bowl copycat ? This recipe is all about delicious, healthy eating.
My chicken bowls are bursting with flavour. They're so easy to make, even on busy weeknights.
Brief Overview
The humble Mexican chicken bowl is culinary sunshine. It is thought to originate from Southern USA with Mexican influences. This recipe is super easy and takes around 45 minutes to make.
This recipe will make 4 generous servings.
Main Benefits
A healthy chicken bowl that is packed with protein and vitamins. This fiesta chicken bowl recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or a weeknight dinner idea .
What makes my chicken rice bowl recipe so special? It's the homemade cilantro lime dressing !
Let's Talk Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to build your perfect bowl.
For the Chicken
Grab some chicken, olive oil, taco seasoning, and a splash of water. I prefer low-sodium taco seasoning. This is because it means I control the salt level.
Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
Sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic are musts! Don't skip the garlic; it adds zing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Honestly, the cilantro lime dressing is the secret weapon in these bowls.
Bowl Essentials
Cooked rice, black beans, corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Don't forget optional toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, or hot sauce! This also works as a Chicken bowl meal prep recipe to make life easy.
Pro tip
If you want more of a DIY Chipotle bowl , get some brown rice instead of white. This can be your taco seasoned chicken bowl to wow your friends and family at any time.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Fiesta Chicken Bowl Arsenal
Let's get down to brass tacks. This Fiesta chicken bowl recipe is about fresh ingredients and simple steps. Don't be intimidated! You can easily make a Chipotle chicken bowl copycat that's better than the real deal.
Main Ingredients
Here's what you need. Don't worry if you don't have exactly these measurements. Cooking is all about feel, innit?
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Good quality chicken should be firm and pink. Not slimy or grey!
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml). Any kind will do, even the cheap stuff!
- Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (approx. 1 oz/28g) low sodium if you're watching the salt, guv'nor!
- Water: 1/4 cup (60ml). Plain old tap water does the trick.
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml). Full fat is richer, but low-fat works too.
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup (60ml). Don't skimp on the mayo, it adds a real creamy texture!
- Cilantro: 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped fresh. Fresh cilantro is key for that cilantro lime dressing vibe!
- Lime Juice: 2 tbsp (30ml) from about 1-2 limes. Bottled is okay in a pinch, but fresh is so much better!
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Cooked Rice: 2 cups (400g) white or brown. Use any chicken rice bowl recipe that you like.
- Black Beans: 1 (15-ounce/425g) can , rinsed and drained.
- Corn: 1 cup (150g) fresh, frozen, or canned. Frozen is fine if you're in a hurry.
- Avocado: 1 , pitted, peeled, and diced.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1/2 cup (75g), halved.
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup (30g), thinly sliced.
Seasoning Notes
Okay, let's talk spices. Taco seasoning is the MVP here. It’s all you need for a super tasty taco seasoned chicken bowl .
If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cumin and chili powder for extra warmth. Want a little kick? Some cayenne pepper will do it.
Make it a spicy fiesta bowl .
The cilantro lime dressing is where it all comes together. The garlic and lime juice are essential. Honestly, don't skip them.
If you don't have fresh cilantro, parsley will do , but it's not the same.
Equipment Needed
Right, time for the tools. You don't need a fancy kitchen to nail these chicken bowls .
- Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken.
- Medium Bowl: For the dressing.
- Whisk: To blend that dressing.
- Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, innit?
- Measuring Cups & Spoons:
- Rice Cooker: Optional, but makes life easier.
Don't fret if you don't have a whisk. A fork works perfectly fine. As for a rice cooker? A saucepan will do the job.
Making healthy chicken bowl is about using what you've got. This recipe is a total weeknight dinner ideas winner, and great for chicken bowl meal prep , too.
You'll be creating your own DIY Chipotle bowl in no time!
Fiesta Chicken Bowls : Your Weeknight Chipotle Cheat Code
Skip the queue and those ridiculous prices! These Fiesta Chicken Bowls bring that Chipotle chicken bowl copycat flavour straight to your kitchen.
Juicy, seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, a rainbow of toppings, and that amazing cilantro lime dressing … Sorted. Perfect for busy weeknights or chicken bowl meal prep .
Think Mexican sunshine in every single, delicious bite. Honestly, you can whip this up even after a long day at the office.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
Essential prep first, folks! Chop your veggies, measure out your spices, and get everything in its place. A little bit of mise en place goes a long way.
It saves time and prevents kitchen chaos. Trust me, you don'll want to get distracted while you're cooking the chicken.
This healthy chicken bowl won't prep itself!
step-by-step: Taco Seasoned Chicken Bowl Time!
- Whisk Up the Dressing: In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayo, cilantro , lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Bam! Cilantro lime dressing done.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium high. Brown the chicken cubes, stirring occasionally.
- Season Like You Mean It: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken. Add water, stir, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through ( internal temp 165F ). Keep an eye on it so it doesn't dry out.
- Bowl Assembly: Divide rice into bowls. Top with chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, and red onion.
- Dress It Up: Drizzle that lovely cilantro lime dressing on top and go wild with extra toppings. Ta-da!
Pro Tips for Chicken Bowls Success
Want to elevate your chicken bowls ? Marinate the chicken in the taco seasoning mix beforehand, even just for 30 minutes, it makes a difference.
But honestly the most important thing is to use good rice.
Also, don't be shy with the toppings! Get creative! This is your chance to create your very own DIY Chipotle bowl .
Ready to impress your friends with this Fiesta chicken bowl recipe ? This chicken rice bowl recipe is sure to be a keeper.
And if you want some other weeknight dinner ideas , make sure to come back to the blog, cos I've got plenty!
Recipe Notes
Let's talk nitty gritty about these incredible Fiesta chicken bowls ! Honestly, these are so easy, they practically make themselves. But a few little things can take them from good to Oh my gosh, this is amazing ! The recipe is totally based on that Chipotle chicken bowl copycat taste, with some special home touches!
Serving Suggestions: Bowl Goals
Presentation is everything! I like to arrange the ingredients in colourful sections in the bowl, it makes for a better "before" pic, you know? A scattering of fresh cilantro on top is the chef's kiss! Serve with tortilla chips for scooping up any stray bits.
As for drinks? Something cool and refreshing. An iced tea hits the spot. If you're feeling fancy, try a lime margarita. Bottoms up!
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
Got leftovers? These chicken bowls are great for meal prep. Store the chicken and rice separately from the toppings to prevent things getting soggy.
- Refrigeration: Everything, except the avocado, can be refrigerated for up to 3 days . Important: Avocados brown quickly!
- Freezing: The cooked chicken freezes well for up to 2 months . Defrost thoroughly before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or a skillet until heated through. Fluff the rice before serving.
Variations: Your Bowl, Your Rules!
This is where you can get creative. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
- Dietary Tweaks: For a lower carb version, skip the rice and load up on veggies. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for black beans or seasoned tofu.
- Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, grilled corn is amazing. In the fall, try adding roasted butternut squash.
One time, I swapped the cilantro lime dressing for a spicy peanut sauce. It was wild, but it worked!
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food
Each bowl packs a good punch of protein and fiber. Helps keep you full and happy. Each bowl clocks in around 650 calories, 45g of protein, 30g of fat, 60g of carbs, 10g of fiber, 8g of sugar and 700mg of sodium.
These healthy chicken bowls are a far better option than takeout. You control the ingredients, so you know exactly what you're eating.
So, there you have it! A cracking Mexican chicken bowl recipe, with all the tips and tricks to make it your own.
Honestly, this taco seasoned chicken bowl has become a staple in my house for weeknight dinner ideas . Don't be shy, give it a go! You might just surprise yourself.
This chicken rice bowl recipe could become your next obsession. You can even call it a DIY Chipotle bowl . Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to store leftover chicken bowls so they don't get soggy?
To keep your Fiesta Chicken Bowls fresh, store the components separately. Keep the cooked chicken, rice, dressing, and toppings in airtight containers in the fridge. This will prevent the rice from absorbing too much moisture and the toppings from getting soggy.
They should last for 3-4 days this way, perfect for a quick lunch!
Can I make these chicken bowls ahead of time for meal prepping?
Absolutely! These Fiesta Chicken Bowls are fantastic for meal prepping. Prepare the chicken, rice, and dressing on Sunday, then portion them into individual containers with your chosen toppings. Just remember to add the dressing right before you eat to prevent the other ingredients from getting soggy.
You'll be patting yourself on the back all week long, honestly!
What are some good variations I can try with these chicken bowls?
This recipe is your blank canvas, darling! For a spicier kick, add diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne to the chicken. If you're feeling veggie inclined, swap the chicken for seasoned tofu or extra black beans. You could even swap the rice out for quinoa. Get creative and have some fun, it's all about what you enjoy!
I'm watching my weight, are these chicken bowls healthy?
They certainly can be! To make them healthier, use brown rice instead of white, opt for low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise in the dressing, and load up on the veggies. Be mindful of portion sizes, and you've got yourself a nutritious and delicious meal. It's all about balance, like a perfectly brewed cup of tea!
My taco seasoning is a bit bland, how can I liven up the flavour of the chicken in these chicken bowls?
Fear not, flavour adventurer! If your taco seasoning needs a boost, add a pinch of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce. A squeeze of lime juice at the end of cooking can also brighten the flavour.
Taste as you go and adjust until it sings to your taste buds - channel your inner Nadiya Hussain!
Can I use other cuts of chicken besides chicken breast for these chicken bowls?
You absolutely can! Chicken thighs are a great alternative they're more forgiving and stay juicier, even if slightly overcooked (which is a godsend if you're multi tasking!). Just trim any excess fat before cubing and cooking. The cook time might be slightly longer.
This dish is versatile enough to handle a bit of experimentation!
Fiesta Chicken Bowls
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 10g |
