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. So many delicious flavors! Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. They combine health and flavor while being customizable for various dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 45 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Layers: Each ingredient complements the others, creating a delicious explosion of taste in every bite.
• Healthy Twist: By using quinoa instead of rice or tortillas, you add nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
• Customizable Options: You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs, making each bowl unique.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These bowls store well in the fridge, allowing for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delightful Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Medium saucepan
• Meat mallet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Provides that perfect char on the chicken, enhancing flavor.
• Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking quinoa evenly and efficiently.
• Meat mallet: Ensures even cooking by flattening chicken breasts to uniform thickness.

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

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 Bowl Assembly

• 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, 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.

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 pieces, corn, black beans if using them, cheese if desired, avocado salsa and Greek yogurt. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa make for a delightful and customizable meal. Each bowl can be tailored to suit individual tastes, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Customize Your Bowl

• Add Extra Protein: Consider adding black beans or pinto beans for an additional protein boost.
• Incorporate Greens: Fresh spinach or kale can add a nutritious crunch to your burrito bowl.
• Spice It Up: For extra heat, include sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for added flavor and a pop of color.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for a zesty squeeze right before eating.
• Sour Cream Alternatives: Use Greek yogurt or dairy-free sour cream for a lighter option.

Pairing Suggestions

• Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside crunchy tortilla chips for added texture.
• Cornbread: A slice of cornbread can complement the flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Creating the best Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh tomatoes and avocados to enhance flavor and texture.
• Marinate the Chicken: Allow the chicken to marinate in spices for at least 30 minutes to deepen its flavor.
• Cook Quinoa Properly: Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness and improve taste.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for the best results.
• Let Chicken Rest: Allow grilled chicken to rest before slicing. This keeps it juicy and tender.
• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like roasted peppers or feta cheese for unique flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

To complete your meal, consider serving these delicious side dishes alongside your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa. They will enhance the overall dining experience.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A vibrant salad featuring corn, lime, cilantro, and cotija cheese, perfect for adding sweetness.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice mixed with cilantro and lime juice provides a refreshing contrast to the savory bowl.
3. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip seasoned with lime juice and salt offers a rich addition everyone loves.
4. Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños adds brightness and zest.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender bring color and nutrients to your plate.
6. Refried Beans: Smooth refried beans add creaminess and are a classic accompaniment in Mexican cuisine.
7. Chips & Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa are always a crowd-pleaser.
8. Taco Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots dressed in lime vinaigrette adds crispness and tang.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Overcooking the quinoa: Cooking quinoa too long can make it mushy. Follow the recommended time and let it sit after cooking for perfect texture.
• Underseasoning the chicken: Skipping seasoning can lead to bland chicken. Use the spice mix generously for flavorful grilled chicken.
• Not letting the chicken rest: Cutting into the chicken immediately can cause juices to escape. Allow it to rest for a few minutes for juicy pieces.
• Skipping the avocado salsa: This fresh salsa adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it—prepare it just before serving for freshness.
• Using canned beans without rinsing: Not rinsing canned beans can result in excess sodium and a gritty texture. Always rinse them before use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Freeze in individual portions for convenience.
• Best if consumed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover bowls with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring between intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?

Yes, brown rice is a great substitute. Just adjust cooking times as needed, since it takes longer to cook than quinoa.

How do I customize my burrito bowl?

Feel free to add other toppings like olives, jalapeños, or different cheeses. Customize based on your taste preferences!

What can I serve with these burrito bowls?

These bowls pair well with a side salad, tortilla chips, or your favorite salsa for extra flavor.

How do I ensure my grilled chicken stays juicy?

Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken and allow it to rest after grilling. This keeps it tender and juicy.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them according to your preferences, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a healthy twist on burritos!