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 occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to meal prep for the week. With layers of tender grilled chicken, hearty black beans, flavor-packed cheese, sweet corn, and a refreshing avocado salsa, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Twist: These burrito bowls swap out tortillas for quinoa, adding more nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. You can make it vegan or add extra toppings!
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a delicious explosion of taste in every bite.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—perfect for lunch or dinner!

Tools and Preparation

To make these Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa smoothly, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or indoor grill: This is essential for achieving that perfect char on the chicken, enhancing flavor.
• Medium saucepan: A must-have for cooking quinoa perfectly; it helps ensure even cooking.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients like the avocado salsa without making a mess.
• Meat mallet: Ensures even thickness for chicken breasts, leading to evenly cooked meat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa:

For the Quinoa Base

• 1 1/2 cups dry quinoa
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

For the Chicken

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp ancho chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Toppings

• 1 2/3 cups frozen corn (warmed) (optional)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans (warmed 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 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 let simmer for about 15 minutes until all the broth is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Heat your grill to 425 degrees F. In a small bowl, whisk together ancho chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a meat mallet to pound chicken breasts to an even thickness. Brush both sides with olive oil and season well with the spice mixture. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F—about 4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate, cover it up, let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into pieces.

Step 3: Make the Avocado Salsa

While chicken rests, prepare your avocado salsa. In a mixing bowl, gently toss together diced tomatoes, avocados, red onion, jalapeño, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl

To assemble your burrito bowls, divide cooked quinoa among serving bowls. Top each bowl with grilled chicken pieces, warmed corn, black beans if using them, cheese if desired, generous servings of avocado salsa, and dollops of Greek yogurt or sour cream if you prefer. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious 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 enjoyed in various ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your burrito bowl experience.

Customize Your Bowl

• Add Extra Protein: Include shrimp, steak, or tofu for added protein and flavor.
• Include More Veggies: Toss in sautéed bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Mix Up Your Grains: Substitute quinoa with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a different texture.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with additional cilantro or green onions to enhance freshness.

Pair with Dips

• Salsa Verde: A tangy green salsa can add a zesty kick to your burrito bowls.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole complements the chicken and adds rich flavor.
• Chipotle Sauce: Drizzle chipotle sauce for a smoky, spicy finish.

Serving Style

• Family Style: Serve all ingredients separately so guests can build their own bowls.
• Meal Prep: Assemble individual portions in containers for quick grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Creating the perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is exceptional.

• Seasoning: Season your chicken well for maximum flavor; don’t skip the spices!
• Cook Quinoa Properly: Make sure the quinoa absorbs all the broth for better taste and texture.
• Rest Your Chicken: Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy and tender.
• Use Ripe Avocados: Choose ripe avocados for the best creamy consistency in your salsa.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust lime juice and salt in the avocado salsa to achieve a perfect balance of flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

To round out your meal, consider serving these side dishes alongside your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing mix of grilled corn, lime, cilantro, and cheese makes a great match.
2. Black Bean Soup: This hearty soup is flavorful and complements the burrito bowl perfectly.
3. Cilantro Lime Rice: Lightly seasoned rice adds a nice touch without overpowering the main dish.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with spicy salsa provide a fun appetizer or side.
5. Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant brings extra nutrients and flavor.
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness that pairs well with savory ingredients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Quinoa Rinse: Not rinsing quinoa can result in a bitter taste. Always rinse it under cold water before cooking to remove saponins.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

• Neglecting Seasoning: Skipping seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Don’t forget to season each layer of your bowl, including the quinoa and chicken.

• Using Cold Ingredients for Salsa: Cold ingredients can make your avocado salsa less flavorful. Allow them to come to room temperature before mixing for better taste.

• Ignoring Texture: A good burrito bowl needs balance in texture. Include both crunchy and creamy elements, like cheese and avocado, for an enjoyable bite.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Freeze for up to 3 months in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Consider freezing components separately (like salsa) for better freshness upon reheating.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place bowls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls for 1-2 minutes on high; stir halfway through until heated evenly.

• Stovetop: Heat on low in a pan, stirring occasionally until warmed through; add a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

You can customize this recipe by adding different proteins like shrimp or tofu, or by using various vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini.

Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?

Yes! Brown rice is a great substitute if you prefer it over quinoa. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

What can I substitute for black beans?

You can use pinto beans or kidney beans as alternatives. Both will offer different flavors while still providing protein.

How do I make my avocado salsa spicier?

Add more jalapeño or include diced serrano peppers for an extra kick! You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes.

Can I meal prep these burrito bowls?

Absolutely! These bowls are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are not only delicious but also versatile! This recipe allows you to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences. Enjoy customizing it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a hearty meal that’s both healthy and satisfying!