Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Here you get everything you’d find in a burrito sans tortilla and with nutritious quinoa instead! Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are perfect for any meal. Packed with seasoned grilled chicken, hearty black beans, and a zesty avocado salsa, these bowls are a delicious and healthy option for lunch or dinner. The combination of flavors and textures will impress your family and friends, making this dish a fantastic choice for gatherings or weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Filling: These burrito bowls provide a satisfying meal without the extra carbs from tortillas.
• Quick to Prepare: With only 45 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this dish even on busy nights.
• Flavor Packed: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Customizable: Feel free to modify ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Great for Meal Prep: These bowls store well, making them ideal for meal prep throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, gather the essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or indoor grill pan
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Meat mallet
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or indoor grill pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the chicken, enhancing its flavor.
• Medium saucepan: Needed for cooking the quinoa perfectly, ensuring it is fluffy and delicious.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements, which is key to great results.

Ingredients

For the Quinoa Base

• 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 Grilled Chicken

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

For Toppings (Optional)

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

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: Prepare the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan, stir together quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. 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 pan) to 425 degrees F. In a small bowl, whisk together ancho chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt (3/4 tsp), and pepper (1/4 tsp). Pound chicken breasts to even out their thickness using the flat side of meat mallet. Brush both sides with olive oil (1 1/2 tbsp), then season both sides of chicken 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: Make Avocado Salsa

While the chicken rests, prepare the avocado salsa. In a medium mixing bowl, gently toss together diced tomatoes, avocados, red onion, jalapeño, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil (2 tbsp), cilantro, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

To assemble burrito bowls, divide quinoa among serving bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken, corn, black beans (if using), cheese (if desired), avocado salsa, and Greek yogurt. Serve immediately.

This recipe yields five servings of delicious Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa that are sure to be a hit! Enjoy your flavorful meal!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the bowls for an extra zesty flavor.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Add a dollop for creaminess and a tangy finish.
• Extra Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.

Customize Your Bowl

• Add Extra Veggies: Include grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for more nutrition and color.
• Spice It Up: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce for added heat.
• Swap Proteins: Use grilled turkey or beef if desired, keeping the flavors exciting.

Make It a Meal

• Serve with Tortilla Chips: Offer crispy tortilla chips on the side for scooping up bites.
• Pair with a Salad: A simple green salad complements the hearty bowl and adds crunch.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Creating the perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa requires attention to detail. Here are essential tips to ensure your dish stands out.

• Bold Seasoning: Use plenty of spices on your chicken to deepen the flavor profile.
• Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, ripe avocados and high-quality cheese to elevate taste.
• Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Ensure quinoa is fluffy and not overcooked; rinse it before cooking for better texture.
• Rest Your Chicken: Allowing grilled chicken to rest before slicing preserves juiciness and tenderness.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

A well-rounded meal includes delicious side dishes that complement your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa. Here are some great options.

1. Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn topped with lime, chili powder, and cheese offers a sweet and savory side.
2. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or as an additional topping for bowls.
3. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, cilantro, and lime makes a nutritious side.
4. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with cilantro and lime provides a simple yet flavorful addition.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with spices add color and health benefits to your meal.
6. Chips & Salsa: Serve crunchy tortilla chips alongside a fresh tomato salsa for a classic pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Skipping the quinoa rinse: Not rinsing the quinoa can leave a bitter taste. Always rinse before cooking to remove saponins.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees F.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Be generous with spices and salt to enhance the dish’s taste.
• Not letting the chicken rest: Cutting into chicken right away can cause juices to escape. Allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
• Using cold ingredients for salsa: Cold vegetables can dull flavors. Let your salsa ingredients come to room temperature for a fresher taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• They will keep well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth or water and heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What can I substitute for chicken in Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa?

You can use turkey or beef as alternatives. Both provide great flavor and protein similar to chicken.

Can I make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa vegan?

Yes! Substitute grilled tofu or tempeh for chicken and use plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.

How do I customize my Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa?

Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, and switch up the beans according to your preference.

What is the best way to prepare quinoa for these bowls?

Rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove bitterness. Cook it in low-sodium broth for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them based on your tastes by adding various toppings or swapping proteins. This recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Give it a try today!