Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa bring together all the flavors of a traditional burrito, minus the tortilla, and replace it with wholesome quinoa. This dish is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a casual gathering with friends. With its tender grilled chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and refreshing avocado salsa, it’s a flavorful and nutritious option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously satisfying meal.
• Nutrient-Rich: Featuring quinoa, chicken, and plenty of veggies, these bowls are full of protein and fiber.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or swap ingredients based on what you have at home.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These bowls store well in the fridge, making them ideal for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this recipe successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill (outdoor or indoor)
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Meat mallet
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides that delicious charred flavor to the chicken that enhances the overall taste.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for cooking quinoa evenly while absorbing all the flavors from the broth.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing your avocado salsa and combining ingredients without any mess.

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 to taste

For the Chicken

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

For the Toppings

• 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. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes or until broth has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill to 425 degrees F. In a small bowl whisk together ancho chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pound chicken breasts to even out their thickness using the flat side of a meat mallet. Brush both sides with olive oil 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: Prepare the Avocado Salsa

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

Step 4: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls

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

Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Add Extra Protein

• Ground turkey or beef can be added for those looking to increase their protein intake. Simply cook it beforehand and mix it into the bowl.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh cilantro or parsley can brighten up your dish. Sprinkle a handful on top of the assembled bowls for enhanced flavor and color.

Include Additional Veggies

• Sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition and texture. These veggies pair well with the existing flavors.

Serve with Tortilla Chips

• Crunchy tortilla chips are a great side that adds a delightful crunch. Serve them alongside for scooping up the burrito bowl ingredients.

Drizzle with Hot Sauce

• For those who enjoy a spicy kick, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can take these bowls to another level!

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Perfecting your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Here are some pointers to ensure your dish shines.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh produce and herbs. They enhance the flavors of your dish significantly.
• Marinate Your Chicken: Letting the chicken marinate in spices for at least 30 minutes will deepen its flavor.
• Cook Quinoa Properly: Rinse quinoa before cooking it to remove bitterness and ensure a fluffy texture.
• Balance Flavors: Consider adding lime zest along with lime juice for an extra zing that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoying your bowls fresh ensures that all textures remain intact, especially the avocado salsa.
• Customize Toppings: Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings like shredded lettuce, jalapeños, or different cheeses based on personal preference.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls can enhance your meal. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad
   A vibrant salad featuring grilled corn, lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese makes a refreshing complement.

2. Cilantro Lime Rice
   Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime offers a zesty side that pairs perfectly with burrito bowls.

3. Black Bean Salad
   A cold salad made from black beans, tomatoes, onions, and lime juice adds texture and flavor while being nutritious.

4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   Sweet potatoes roasted until crispy provide natural sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the burrito bowls.

5. Guacamole and Chips
   Creamy guacamole served with tortilla chips makes for a classic pairing that everyone loves.

6. Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower
   Cauliflower roasted with chili powder and lime creates an exciting side dish that is both healthy and tasty.

7. Zucchini Noodles
   Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles provide a low-carb option that still feels hearty when served alongside burrito bowls.

8. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad made from seasonal fruits offers a sweet bite that refreshes the palate after savory bites of chicken and beans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are perfect, avoid these common mistakes.

• Overcooking the quinoa: Quinoa should be fluffy and tender. Keep an eye on it while simmering to prevent mushiness.
• Skipping the seasoning: Season every component, especially the chicken. Use spices generously for a full flavor experience.
• Neglecting resting time for chicken: Letting the grilled chicken rest allows juices to redistribute. This keeps it moist and flavorful.
• Using unripe avocados: Choose ripe avocados for the salsa. This ensures creaminess and enhances the overall taste of your dish.
• Forgetting to taste as you go: Always taste your ingredients before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed for optimal flavor balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your burrito bowls in airtight containers.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Place the components separately in freezer-safe containers.
• These bowls can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bowls in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa.

Can I substitute quinoa with rice?

You can substitute quinoa with rice, but cooking times will vary. Ensure that rice is cooked according to package instructions.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with grilled vegetables or additional black beans and use plant-based cheese alternatives.

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to customize your burrito bowls with toppings like fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lemon for extra zest!

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep all components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving for the best freshness.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator and consumed within 4 days for best quality.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them based on your preferences, whether adding more veggies or opting for different proteins. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor!