Okay, I’m listening up! If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly on the hunt for dinners that are both bursting with flavor. What are some of the easiest recipes to throw together? What are some of the best lemon Lime Chicken bowls? Think of them as a brighter, fresher cousin to your typical burrito bowl. What are some of the best ingredients for chicken, fluffy rice, and all the fixings? What is a cilantro lime dressing that will have you licking your bowl clean? I swear, the first time I made this, it disappeared in minutes! Even my picky eaters were asking for seconds. What is the best recipe for a weeknight meal? I’m tempted to order takeout.
What is Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls?
What is a lime chicken bowl? Well, think of it as a deconstructed burrito, but way healthier and arguably even more delicious. What are some layers of goodness starting with a base of rice (I usually use brown rice for extra goodness)? piled high with seasoned grilled or pan-fried chicken, black beans, corn, your favorite favorite vegetable. What are salsa, and avocado? What makes cilantro lime dressing so good? Gives it that signature zing. Is it fresh, vibrant, and incredibly customizable? What is the best way to eat without spending hours in the kitchen?
Why do I love this recipe?
Where do I start? Why am I obsessed with lime chicken bowls? What I love most about spiders is their versatility. How do I swap out ingredients based on what I have on hand? What are some good alternatives to black beans? Is it really a choice-your-own-adventure kind of meal?
• Flavor Explosion:The combination of savory chicken, sweet corn, spicy salsa, and that tangy cilantro lime. Is dressing irresistible? Is it a party in your mouth?
• EffortlessIs there a recipe that looks more complicated than it actually is? What are some of the best ways to prepare a meal in under 30 minutes?
• Budget FriendlyThe ingredients are relatively inexpensive, and you can often find them on sale. What are some of the best ways to save time and money by cooking leftover chicken?
• Super Versatile:As I mentioned before, you can customize these bowls to your heart’s content. Add different veggies, swap out the protein, or try a different type of rice. What are the possibilities? What reminds me of my favorite taco recipe, Spicy Shrimp Tacos – equally customizable, but a little more flavorful. Is there a difference in flavor profile? What is your review of Chili Lime Chicken Bowls?
How do you make Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls?
Quick Overview
Let’s get down to business! What is the best way to make lime chicken bowls? How do you season a chicken? While that’s cooking, you can prepare your rice and chop up all your favorite toppings. What are some good ways to make cilantro lime dressing? How do I assemble my bowls and drizzle generously with the dressing? What is the best part about cooking? You can prep everything ahead of time. Dinnertime is cook the chicken and assemble the bowls. What is a game-changer for sex on tuesday night?
Ingredients
For the Chicken: What’s the
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I prefer organic and free-range if possible)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
• 1 cup uncooked rice (brown, white, or jasmine – your choice! ) Always wash your rice before cooking for best results!
• 2 cups water or chicken broth (broth adds more flavor)
For Cilantro Lime Dressing:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed is always best)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowls:
• 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained.
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed (or grilled fresh corn – even better) .
• 1 cup your favorite salsa
• 1 avocado, diced
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped red onion, Sour Cream, jalapeos.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
How do you pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels? In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Set aside. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
While the chicken is cooking, rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. What is the best way to remove starch from rice? In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water or chicken broth. Set aside. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. How do you cook a chicken until it is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed? Fluff with a fork.
Step 3: Make the Cilantro Lime Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and salt. Mix well. Olive oil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want thinner dressing, add a tablespoon or two of water. I add a tiny pinch of sugar if my limes are particularly tart.
Step 4: Prepare the Toppings
How do you rinse and drain black beans? What other toppings would you like to add, such as red onion or jalapeos?
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the rice among bowls. Top with chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, avocado, and any other toppings you like. What is your favorite cilantro lime dressing? I like to have extra dressing on the side for dipping.
What should I serve it with?
What are some good Chili Lime Chicken Bowls? What are some good ideas to round things out?
For a Light Lunch: Serve with a side of tortilla chips and guacamole. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a great addition.
For a Hearty Dinner: Add a side of grilled vegetables, like bell peppers and onions. Corn on the cob would also be delicious!
For a Party: Set up a **Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowl** bar with all the toppings and let your guests customize their own bowls! Don’t forget the margaritas!
My family loves to have these bowls on Taco Tuesday instead of the usual tacos. It’s a fun way to mix things up!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls
Okay, so I’ve been making these **Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls** for quite a while now, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for making them absolutely perfect:
Chicken Perfection: Don’t overcook the chicken! It’s better to slightly undercook it and let it rest, as it will continue to cook a bit as it sits. I always use a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Also, pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook more evenly.
Rice Matters: Use high-quality rice. It makes a huge difference in the final texture and flavor. I also like to add a bay leaf to the cooking water for extra flavor. Remember to rinse the rice before cooking!
Dressing Consistency: If your cilantro lime dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also adjust the amount of lime juice to your liking. I sometimes add a pinch of cumin to the dressing for a little extra depth of flavor.
Spice it Up: If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or the dressing. You can also use a spicier salsa or add some chopped jalapeños to your bowl.
Prep Ahead: To save time, you can cook the chicken and rice ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. You can also chop the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time. Then, all you have to do at dinnertime is assemble the bowls!
Ingredient Swaps: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Try adding roasted sweet potatoes, crumbled cotija cheese, or pickled onions. The possibilities are endless!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These **Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls** are great for meal prepping because they store really well. Here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving these out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the chicken, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dressing can also be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I don’t recommend freezing the toppings, as they will lose their texture and flavor.
Glaze Timing Advice: It’s best to add the cilantro lime dressing just before serving. If you add it too early, the rice and toppings can get soggy.
Reheating Tips: Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add the toppings and dressing just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! My go-to recipe for **Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls**. They’re quick, easy, healthy, and packed with flavor. I seriously can’t get enough of them! They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or even a party. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my recipe for Chipotle Chicken Salad. It’s another quick and easy meal that’s perfect for meal prepping. I really hope you give these bowls a try! Let me know in the comments below what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy cooking!
Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts
- 1 cup Cilantro, chopped
- 0.25 cup Lime juice
- 1 cup Cooked rice
- 1 can Black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup Corn kernels
- 1 avocado Avocado, diced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Marinate chicken in cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook chicken until fully cooked through. You can grill, bake, or pan-fry.
- Slice chicken and add to bowls with rice, black beans, corn, and avocado.
- Drizzle with lime dressing (optional).
