Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Here you get everything you’d find in a burrito sans tortilla and with nutritious quinoa instead! The Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are layered with seasoned, tender grilled chicken, hearty black beans, flavorful cheese, sweet corn, and a refreshing avocado salsa. This dish is perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to meal prep for the week ahead. With its vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Flavor-Packed: Each bite bursts with the rich flavors of seasoned chicken and fresh salsa.
• Nutritious Alternative: Quinoa replaces traditional tortillas, adding protein and fiber.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

To create delicious grilled chicken burrito bowls, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Provides that perfect char on chicken for added flavor.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking quinoa evenly without burning.
• Instant-read thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly every time.

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 Chicken

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

For the Toppings

• 1 2/3 cups frozen corn (warmed optional)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans (warmed 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 (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 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 with chili powder mixture evenly on both sides. 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 cutting into pieces. Season with more salt if desired.

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 and cilantro in a medium mixing bowl. 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, warmed corn, black beans, cheese if using, fresh avocado salsa and Greek yogurt or sour cream as desired. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Classic Bowl

• Serve the grilled chicken over a bed of quinoa, topped with avocado salsa for a refreshing burst of flavors.

Family Style

• Present the ingredients in separate bowls, allowing everyone to customize their own burrito bowl with their preferred toppings.

Meal Prep Containers

• Pack individual servings in meal prep containers for a quick and nutritious lunch option throughout the week.

Taco Night Twist

• Use the components from the burrito bowl to create taco-style wraps using lettuce leaves or corn tortillas for a fun twist.

Salad Base

• Transform your burrito bowl into a salad by using mixed greens as the base, adding all your favorite toppings on top.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Perfecting your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls can elevate your dish. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience.

• Marinate chicken: Allowing the chicken breasts to marinate for at least 30 minutes will deepen the flavors from the spices.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, avocados, and herbs will provide better flavor and texture compared to canned or frozen options.

• Cook quinoa correctly: Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness and ensure it cooks up fluffy and light.

• Let it rest: Allow the grilled chicken to rest after cooking; this keeps it juicy and tender when sliced.

• Adjust spice levels: Modify the amount of jalapeño and chili powder based on your heat preference for a customized experience.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Pairing side dishes with Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mexican Street Corn: Sweet corn brushed with lime crema and topped with cotija cheese offers a delightful contrast.

2. Black Bean Salad: A fresh mix of black beans, corn, and cilantro adds extra protein and complementary flavors.

3. Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with tortilla chips makes for a perfect appetizer before diving into your burrito bowl.

4. Spanish Rice: Flavored rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices pairs wonderfully with the flavors in your main dish.

5. Cilantro Lime Rice: Lightly seasoned rice adds another layer of flavor that complements the burrito bowls nicely.

6. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa brightens up any meal and balances out rich flavors of grilled chicken and avocado salsa.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Grilling the chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for perfect juiciness.
• Not Rinsing Quinoa: Skipping the rinse can leave a bitter taste due to saponins. Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Be generous with spices and taste as you go to enhance the dish.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold ingredients can cool down your bowl. Ensure beans and corn are warmed for better flavor integration.
• Skipping Rest Time: Cutting into chicken immediately after grilling makes juices escape. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes to keep it tender.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Divide components into freezer-safe containers.
• Frozen bowls can last up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and cover the bowl with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Use a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth and heat until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions often asked about Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa:

How can I customize my Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?

You can add other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, swap quinoa for rice, or use shrimp instead of chicken.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Use grilled vegetables or marinated tofu instead of chicken for a delicious vegetarian option.

What kind of beans work best in burrito bowls?

Black beans are classic, but pinto beans or kidney beans also add great flavor and nutrition.

How do I store leftover avocado salsa?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day; add lime juice to help prevent browning.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures. They are not only healthy but also versatile, allowing you to customize based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s packed with goodness!