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 busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This dish is not only a healthier alternative but also packed with flavor and colorful ingredients. The combination of grilled chicken, quinoa, and fresh avocado salsa makes it a delightful meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from quinoa and beans, this dish supports your health goals.
• Quick Preparation: With just 45 minutes total time, you can whip up these delicious burrito bowls even on a busy day.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients brings a burst of flavor in every bite, making it hard to resist.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your bowls with favorite toppings like cheese or Greek yogurt, making it suitable for everyone.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for meal prep; make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

To make these burrito bowls, having the right tools makes the process easier. Here’s what you need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Grill (or indoor grill/panini press)
• Meat mallet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium saucepan: This is essential for cooking the quinoa perfectly without burning.
• Grill: A grill adds that delicious smoky flavor to the chicken, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Meat mallet: Ensures even cooking by flattening chicken breasts, allowing for uniform grilling.

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 Base

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

For the Grilled 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 Toppings

• 1 2/3 cups frozen corn (warmed) (optional)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans (drained after warming) (optional)
• Mexican blend cheese or queso fresco (optional)
• Plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream (optional)

For 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 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) 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 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 slicing.

Step 3: Prepare Avocado Salsa

While the chicken rests, prepare 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 Burrito Bowls

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

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are a fantastic meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Add Extra Protein

• Black Beans: Include more black beans for a protein boost and added fiber.
• Grilled Shrimp: Top your bowl with grilled shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian option, add marinated and grilled tofu.

Customize Your Toppings

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream adds creaminess to the dish.
• Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce on top for an extra kick of flavor.
• Pickled Jalapeños: Add pickled jalapeños for a tangy, spicy element.

Garnish for Freshness

• Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the bowl for a zesty finish.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Perfecting your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa can elevate this dish from good to great. Here are some helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. They enhance flavor and texture.
• Marinate Chicken: For even more flavor, marinate your chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the spice blend according to your taste preferences by adding more chili powder or cumin.
• Rest the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling keeps it juicy and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A vibrant salad made with grilled corn, lime, cotija cheese, and spices.
2. Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips makes for a perfect appetizer.
3. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with lime juice and cilantro complements the flavors in the bowl nicely.
4. Refried Beans: Smooth refried beans add creaminess and additional protein to your meal.
5. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado provides freshness.
6. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make an easy, tasty side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa can be easy, but there are a few common pitfalls that you should steer clear of.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always ensure you use enough spices for a delicious taste.
• Overcooking the quinoa: Cooking quinoa too long can make it mushy. Keep an eye on it and follow the cooking time closely for perfect texture.
• Not letting chicken rest: Cutting into chicken right after grilling can dry it out. Let it rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy and tender.
• Ignoring avocado ripeness: Using unripe avocados can affect the salsa’s flavor and texture. Choose ripe avocados for the best results.
• Forgetting to adjust spice levels: Not adjusting jalapeño based on personal heat preference can surprise some diners. Always taste and modify spice levels to suit your crowd.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I substitute quinoa with rice in this recipe?

Yes, you can use rice instead of quinoa. Ensure you adjust cooking times according to the type of rice used.

How do I make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa vegan?

To make this dish vegan, replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What toppings can I add to my burrito bowl?

Feel free to customize your bowl by adding toppings like sour cream, additional veggies, or different types of salsa.

How do I store leftovers from Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for longer storage.

What side dishes pair well with these burrito bowls?

Consider serving a fresh salad, tortilla chips, or guacamole alongside your burrito bowls for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures. This recipe is versatile—feel free to customize ingredients based on your preferences! Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal or a quick dinner option, these bowls are sure to please everyone at the table.