Southwest Chicken Bowl
A comforting and customizable bowl filled with chicken, rice, beans, and fresh veggies, topped with a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Spices
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs protein source
- 1 tbsp olive oil adds moisture
- 1 tsp chili powder spicy heat
- 1 tsp cumin earthy flavor
- ½ tsp smoked paprika smoky undertones
- ½ tsp garlic powder savory depth
- to taste Salt and pepper enhances flavors
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked brown rice hearty base
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed fiber-rich
- 1 cup corn sweetness and texture
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved juicy freshness
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced sharpness
- ½ cup cilantro, finely chopped herbal brightness
- to taste Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish fresh accents
For the Sauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt creamy base for sauce
- 2 tbsp salsa tangy flavor
- ½ tbsp honey or agave natural sweetness
- ¼ tsp cumin additional earthy flavor
- ¼ tsp chili powder extra warmth
- ¼ tsp paprika color and flavor
- ¼ tsp garlic powder depth
- ¼ tsp salt flavor enhancement
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional) for heat
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a spice blend.
- Season both sides of the chicken with this mixture.
- Over medium heat, add olive oil to a skillet. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken in the skillet.
- Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Allow the chicken to rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes before slicing.
Sauce Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, salsa, honey or agave, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir these ingredients together until smooth and well blended.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Assembly
- Start with a foundation of cooked brown rice in each serving dish.
- Layer on the black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and avocado.
- Arrange a portion of sliced chicken on top, and drizzle with the prepared southwest sauce.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime over everything.
Notes
Customize with seasonal veggies or whatever you have on hand for added variety. Make the sauce ahead of time for even easier assembly during busy evenings.