Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

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. These Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Enjoy a bowl filled with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients that cater to various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Alternative: By using quinoa instead of a tortilla, you get all the delicious flavors of a burrito while keeping it light and nutritious.
• Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable Toppings: You can easily adjust the toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs, from protein options to fresh veggies.
• Flavor-Packed: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These burrito bowls store well in the fridge, making them ideal for meal prepping.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable, gather some essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Medium saucepan
• Meat mallet
• Mixing bowls
• Instant-read thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Provides the perfect sear on the chicken for great flavor.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking quinoa evenly without sticking.
• Meat mallet: Ensures even cooking by flattening chicken breasts to a uniform thickness.

Ingredients

For the Quinoa Base

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

For the Chicken

• 1 Tbsp ancho chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 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 then 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: Prepare the Chicken

Meanwhile, heat a grill (or indoor grill, panini press, or cook over the stove in a grill pan) to 425 degrees F. In a small bowl whisk together ancho chili powder, cumin, garlic powder along with salt and pepper. Pound chicken breasts to even out their thickness using the flat side of meat mallet. Brush both sides with olive oil then season both sides of chicken with the chili powder 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 then cut into pieces. Season with more salt if desired.

Step 3: Make Avocado Salsa

While the chicken is resting, prepare avocado salsa. In a medium mixing bowl gently toss together diced tomatoes, avocados, red onion, jalapeno, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble Burrito Bowls

To assemble burrito bowls, divide cooked quinoa among serving bowls. Top each bowl with grilled chicken pieces, corn, black beans, cheese, avocado salsa and Greek yogurt if desired. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Serving Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa is a delightful experience. These bowls are versatile and can be customized to suit various tastes and preferences. Here are some tasty suggestions to elevate your meal.

Add Extra Protein

• Black Beans: Warmed black beans add a hearty texture and boost the protein content.
• Grilled Shrimp: For seafood lovers, grilled shrimp pairs beautifully with the flavors of the bowl.
• Tofu: Marinated and grilled tofu is a fantastic plant-based option for added protein.

Include Fresh Greens

• Romaine Lettuce: Chopped romaine adds crunch and freshness to your bowl.
• Spinach: Toss in some fresh spinach for an extra dose of nutrients.

Enhance with Toppings

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt or sour cream adds creaminess.
• Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Pair with Beverages

• Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade complements the savory flavors.
• Iced Tea: Unsweetened iced tea provides a light beverage option.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Perfecting your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa is easy when you follow these tips. These simple suggestions will enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh vegetables and herbs for the best taste.
• Marinate Chicken: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances its flavor.
• Cook Quinoa Properly: Ensure quinoa is fluffy by rinsing it before cooking to remove bitterness.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño in the avocado salsa.
• Garnish Stylishly: Add sprigs of cilantro or lime wedges on top for an appealing presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls can elevate the meal even further. Here are some excellent options that complement the main dish perfectly.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime, cheese, and spices enhances the flavors of your burrito bowl.
2. Chipotle Rice: Serve flavorful chipotle-infused rice as a satisfying side that fits well with Mexican cuisine.
3. Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips makes for an excellent appetizer.
4. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa adds brightness and acidity, making it a perfect pairing for burrito bowls.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables provide additional vitamins and a delicious contrast in texture.
6. Black Bean Soup: A warm soup made from black beans can serve as a hearty side, complementing the main dish beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, some common mistakes can lead to a less-than-perfect dish. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Ignoring the quinoa cooking time: Always allow the quinoa to simmer until all the broth is absorbed. This ensures fluffy quinoa instead of mushy grains.
• Overcooking the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165 degrees F for perfectly grilled chicken without dryness.
• Skipping seasoning on all layers: Make sure to season every component, from quinoa to chicken, for a well-balanced flavor throughout your burrito bowls.
• Using unripe avocados: Choose ripe avocados for the salsa; they should yield slightly when pressed. This adds creaminess and richness to your dish.
• Not letting the chicken rest: Allowing the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing helps retain its juices for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• They can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

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

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place bowls in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Cover bowls loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals for even heating.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water and cover. Heat until everything is warm, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa ahead of time?

You can prepare components like quinoa, grilled chicken, and avocado salsa in advance. Just assemble when ready to serve.

What if I don’t have quinoa?

You can substitute rice or another grain of your choice, but quinoa offers unique health benefits and texture that complements this dish well.

How can I customize my Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Feel free to add ingredients like bell peppers, corn, or different types of beans based on your preference or dietary needs.

Are Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls healthy?

Yes! These bowls are packed with lean protein, healthy fats from avocado, and fiber-rich ingredients like quinoa and beans.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, these bowls offer satisfaction in every bite. Give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it!