Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa is a delightful dish that brings all the flavors of a burrito into a healthy bowl form. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this recipe features juicy grilled chicken, nutritious quinoa, and a zesty avocado salsa that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s an excellent choice for meal prep or family gatherings, offering a satisfying and flavorful experience in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish can be ready in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: Each layer is seasoned beautifully, combining spices and fresh ingredients for an unforgettable taste.
• Nutritious Ingredients: With quinoa as the base, this bowl is full of protein and fiber, keeping you full longer.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs, making it versatile.
• Great Leftovers: These burrito bowls store well, so you can enjoy them for lunch the next day without losing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill (or indoor grill)
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Meat mallet
• Instant-read thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Gives the chicken a delicious char while cooking it evenly.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking quinoa perfectly without burning.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for preparing the avocado salsa and mixing ingredients together smoothly.
• Instant-read thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked to the perfect temperature for safety and taste.

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

For the Chicken

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

For the Bowl 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: Grill 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 and 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Pound chicken breasts to even out their thickness using the flat side of meat mallet. Brush both sides with the 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil then season both sides of chicken with the chili powder mixture (use all of it). Grill chicken until center registers 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer, about 4 minutes per side (or about 4 minutes total if using an indoor electric grill or panini press set at high heat). Transfer chicken to a plate, cover and let rest for 5 minutes then cut into pieces; season with more salt to taste if desired.

Step 3: Prepare Avocado Salsa

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

Step 4: Assemble Burrito Bowls

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

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are not only delicious but also versatile and visually appealing. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Customize Your Bowl

• Add Extra Protein: Consider adding grilled shrimp or sautéed turkey for an additional protein boost.
• Include Greens: Fresh spinach, arugula, or mixed greens can add a refreshing crunch to your bowl.
• Top with Hot Sauce: A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can enhance the flavor profile for those who enjoy spicy dishes.

Flavor Enhancements

• Squeeze Fresh Lime: Adding a splash of lime juice right before serving brightens up the flavors.
• Sprinkle with Feta Cheese: For a tangy twist, crumble some feta cheese on top of your bowl.
• Use Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside crunchy tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Perfecting your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls is easy with a few simple tips. These suggestions will help you achieve the best flavors and textures.

• Bold Seasoning: Marinate the chicken in spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling to enhance flavor depth.
• Cook Quinoa Properly: Rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove any bitterness and improve its taste.
• Let Chicken Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling keeps it juicy and tender.
• Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: Start with quinoa at the base and layer other ingredients evenly for a balanced bite each time.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for ripe avocados and fresh tomatoes for the avocado salsa; they make a significant difference in taste.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Complement your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with these tasty side dishes that add variety and enhance your meal experience.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A vibrant mix of corn, spices, lime, and cheese that adds sweetness and crunch.
2. Spicy Black Bean Soup: A warm, hearty soup that pairs perfectly with the flavors of your burrito bowl.
3. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with cilantro and lime enhances the overall Mexican theme.
4. Guacamole with Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy chips is always a crowd-pleaser.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring color, flavor, and nutrition to your plate.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the savory elements of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa even more delicious.

• Skipping the seasoning – Not seasoning the chicken properly can result in bland flavors. Make sure to use the spice mix generously.
• Overcooking the quinoa – If you overcook quinoa, it can become mushy. Stick to the cooking time and let it rest for perfect texture.
• Ignoring resting time for chicken – Cutting into the chicken right after grilling can dry it out. Always let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• Not warming ingredients – Cold beans and corn can affect the overall temperature of your dish. Warm them before adding to enhance flavor.
• Using unripe avocados – Unripe avocados don’t provide the creamy texture needed for salsa. Choose ripe avocados for maximum creaminess.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Allow components to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Keep avocado salsa separate, as it’s best fresh.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat covered for about 20 minutes or until warm throughout.
• Microwave – Heat in 1-minute increments until heated through, stirring between intervals.
• Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other proteins in my Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa?

Yes! Feel free to substitute grilled beef or turkey based on your preference.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace the chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu and omit cheese if desired.

What are some toppings for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa?

Consider adding additional toppings such as fresh lime wedges, jalapeños, or cilantro for extra flavor.

Can I meal prep Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa?

Absolutely! These bowls store well and are perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it by adding different veggies or proteins as per your taste preferences. Try this comforting meal today!