Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa bring a delightful twist to your favorite burrito. This recipe showcases tender grilled chicken layered over nutritious quinoa, paired with vibrant toppings like avocado salsa and black beans. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, these bowls are sure to please everyone at the table with their fresh flavors and healthy ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients makes every bite satisfying.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Quinoa serves as a wholesome base, making this dish both filling and healthy.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to adjust toppings based on your preferences—add more veggies or swap out proteins!
• Great for Meal Prep: These bowls store well in the fridge, making them perfect for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill (or indoor grill, panini press)
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Meat mallet
• Instant read thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides that delicious charred flavor to the chicken, enhancing its taste.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking quinoa perfectly without burning it.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients for the avocado salsa easily.
• Instant read thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked safely to perfection without drying it out.

Ingredients

Here you get everything you’d find in a burrito sans tortilla and with nutritious quinoa instead! It’s layered with seasoned, tender grilled chicken, hearty black beans, flavorful cheese, sweet corn, and a refreshing avocado salsa. So many delicious flavors!

For the Quinoa

• 1 1/2 cups dry quinoa
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp ancho chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Chicken

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil

For the Bowls

• 1 2/3 cups frozen corn (warmed optional)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, warmed along with liquid from the can then drained (optional)
• Mexican blend cheese or queso fresco (optional)
• Plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream (optional)

For the Avocado Salsa

• 3 medium roma tomatoes (diced)
• 1 1/2 medium avocados (diced)
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion (rinsed)
• 1 jalapeño (seeded for less heat if desired and minced)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro

How to Make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan stir together quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat then cover, reduce heat to medium-low and allow to simmer for 15 minutes or until broth has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Meanwhile, heat a grill (or indoor grill, panini press, or cook over the stove in a grill pan) to 425 degrees F. In a small bowl whisk together ancho chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and seasonings. Pound chicken breasts to even out their thickness using the flat side of meat mallet. Brush both sides with olive oil then season generously with the spice mixture. Grill chicken until center registers 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate, cover and let rest for 5 minutes before cutting into pieces.

Step 3: Prepare Avocado Salsa

While the chicken is resting, prepare avocado salsa. In a medium mixing bowl gently toss together tomatoes, avocados, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

To assemble burrito bowls, divide cooked quinoa among serving bowls. Top each bowl with grilled chicken pieces, corn, black beans if using, cheese if desired, avocado salsa and Greek yogurt or sour cream if desired. Serve immediately!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are a delightful and nutritious meal option. They can be customized in various ways to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Add Extra Protein

• Grilled shrimp or turkey can be added for an additional protein boost, making the dish even more satisfying.

Serve with Tortilla Chips

• Crispy tortilla chips provide a crunchy texture that complements the creamy avocado salsa beautifully.

Include Fresh Greens

• Mix in some baby spinach or arugula for added nutrients and a fresh flavor that brightens the bowl.

Top with Hot Sauce

• A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can add spice and kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Pair with Lime Wedges

• Serving lime wedges alongside the bowl allows guests to squeeze fresh juice over their meal for an extra zesty touch.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Creating the best Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Here are a few strategies to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh produce, especially for the avocado salsa. Fresh ingredients enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Cook Quinoa Properly: Ensure quinoa is cooked until fluffy by rinsing it before cooking to remove bitterness. This adds a pleasant texture.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with spices! Season each component well, especially the chicken, for maximum flavor.
• Let Chicken Rest: Allowing chicken to rest after grilling helps retain juices, resulting in tender and juicy pieces.
• Customize Toppings: Feel free to add or substitute toppings based on personal preference. Black olives or jalapeños can provide unique flavors.
• Prep Ahead: Prepare components like quinoa and salsa in advance to save time during meal assembly.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Completing your meal with side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options that pair well with Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing mix of corn, lime, cilantro, and feta cheese offers a sweet contrast to savory bowls.
2. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip enhances flavors while adding richness; serve with veggies or chips for dipping.
3. Cilantro-Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime and fresh cilantro complements the burrito bowls perfectly.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add depth and sweetness alongside the main dish.
5. Black Bean Salad: A chilled salad made with black beans, bell peppers, and lime provides extra protein and freshness.
6. Chips & Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with homemade salsa offer crunch and zest before diving into the main course.
7. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad acts as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of hearty burrito bowls.
8. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil makes a great base or side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold seasoning mistakes: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always ensure you use enough spice and salt to enhance the taste.
• Bold quinoa cooking errors: Overcooking or undercooking quinoa can ruin its texture. Monitor the cooking time closely for perfect results.
• Bold avocado salsa missteps: Not balancing the flavors in the avocado salsa can make it too bland or overly acidic. Taste and adjust lime juice and salt as needed.
• Bold ingredient substitutions: Using the wrong type of beans or cheese may affect the overall flavor profile. Stick to recommended ingredients for best results.
• Bold assembly issues: Layering ingredients improperly can result in a messy bowl. Assemble in a thoughtful order for visual appeal and ease of eating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Keep chicken, quinoa, and salsa separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Avoid freezing avocado salsa, as it can become mushy after thawing.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warm, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary, and heat until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa.

How do I make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa healthier?

You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini and reduce cheese quantity to make these bowls lighter.

Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?

Yes! Brown rice is a great alternative that will still provide a hearty base for your burrito bowls.

What can I substitute if I don’t have black beans?

You can use pinto beans or chickpeas as an excellent substitute without compromising flavor.

Can I prepare the avocado salsa ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the avocado salsa fresh, but you can mix other ingredients in advance and add diced avocados just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings and vegetables according to your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a nutritious meal packed with flavor!

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Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa offer a fresh and healthy twist on traditional burritos. This vibrant dish features juicy grilled chicken served over fluffy quinoa, complemented by hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a zesty avocado salsa. Not only is it packed with flavor and nutrition, but it’s also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, these bowls are a delicious way to enjoy wholesome ingredients while satisfying your cravings for Mexican-inspired cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups dry quinoa
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans
• 1 2/3 cups frozen corn
• 3 medium roma tomatoes
• 1 1/2 medium avocados
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• Fresh lime juice
• 1 Tbsp ancho chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water and combine with chicken broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Allow resting for 5 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill to 425°F. Season chicken with olive oil and spices, then grill for about 4 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Let rest before slicing.
3. Prepare avocado salsa by mixing diced tomatoes, avocados, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Assemble the bowls by layering quinoa, chicken slices, corn, black beans (if using), avocado salsa, and optional toppings like yogurt.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 450g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 90mg