Save to Pins A vibrant and fresh bowl featuring juicy lime-marinated chicken, fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, and a punchy cilantro-lime drizzle. Perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal any day of the week.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite for weeknight dinners because of its bright flavors and simplicity.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken: 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 2 tbsp olive oil, Zest and juice of 2 limes, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp chili powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- For the Bowls: 2 cups cooked white or brown rice, 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned), 1 avocado, sliced, ½ red onion, thinly sliced, ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, Lime wedges for serving
- For the Cilantro-Lime Drizzle: ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small clove garlic, minced, Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken marinade:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime zest and juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5&ndash7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Make the cilantro-lime drizzle:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Assemble the bowls:
- Divide rice among four bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Drizzle and serve:
- Drizzle with the cilantro-lime sauce and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Save to Pins Making this recipe always brings the family together for a colorful and tasty meal.
Notes
Substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Add pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat. For a dairy-free drizzle, use a plant-based yogurt.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, grill pan or skillet, knife and cutting board, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt or sour cream). Contains avocado (for those with avocado allergies). Double-check yogurt and other packaged ingredients for allergens.
Save to Pins This vibrant bowl is quick to prepare and sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Questions & Answers
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors, but for a deeper taste, up to 2 hours in the fridge works best.
- → Can I use a different grain instead of rice?
Yes, quinoa or cauliflower rice are excellent alternatives if you prefer a lower-carb option.
- → What’s the best way to cook the chicken?
Grilling or cooking in a hot skillet until nicely charred and cooked through ensures juicy and flavorful chicken.
- → Is there a dairy-free option for the cilantro-lime drizzle?
Absolutely — substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream with a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free drizzle.
- → Can I add heat to this dish?
Yes, adding pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce complements the bright, zesty flavors with a spicy kick.