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 any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a lively weekend gathering. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also offers a healthy twist on traditional burritos. With tender grilled chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a fresh avocado salsa, these bowls are sure to please everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously vibrant meal.
• Healthy Option: With quinoa as the base and plenty of veggies, these bowls are nutritious and satisfying.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your bowls with your favorite toppings like cheese or Greek yogurt for extra richness.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

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Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that make the process smooth and enjoyable.

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: Ideal for achieving that perfect char on the chicken, enhancing its flavor.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for cooking quinoa to fluffy perfection.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients when making the fresh avocado salsa.

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 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 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 your grill 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 of chicken with olive oil then season both sides 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 cutting 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 Your Bowls

To assemble burrito bowls, divide quinoa among serving bowls. Top each bowl with grilled chicken pieces, corn, black beans, cheese if desired, avocado salsa and dollops of Greek yogurt. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these bowls can be customized to suit any occasion.

Customize Your Bowl

• Add extra toppings like shredded lettuce or sliced jalapeños for added crunch and heat.
• Drizzle with hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Pair with Fresh Ingredients

• Serve alongside fresh lime wedges to squeeze over the top for an extra zesty flavor.
• Include a side of pickled red onions for a tangy contrast.

Create a Build-Your-Own Station

• Lay out all ingredients separately, allowing guests to build their own burrito bowls according to their preferences.
• Offer different protein options, such as grilled steak or tofu, to cater to diverse tastes.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Getting the most out of your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa is easy with a few helpful tips. These suggestions will enhance flavor and presentation.

• Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes will infuse them with more flavor and moisture.
• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for ripe avocados and fresh lime juice; they elevate the taste of your avocado salsa significantly.
• Cook quinoa properly: Ensure you rinse the quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness, resulting in a more pleasant flavor.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust spices and salt based on personal preference before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

To complement your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, consider serving one or more of these delicious side dishes. They enhance the meal’s overall experience!

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant salad features corn, lime, cilantro, and cheese for a refreshing crunch.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with cilantro and lime pairs perfectly with the burrito bowls.
3. Black Bean Salad: A hearty salad made of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and dressing; it’s both colorful and nutritious.
4. Chips and Guacamole: Classic tortilla chips served with creamy guacamole make an irresistible appetizer before the main course.
5. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and acidity that balances well with rich flavors in the burrito bowls.
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring sweetness and texture; they can be seasoned simply or spiced up for extra flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some tips to steer clear of those pitfalls.

• Using uncooked quinoa: Always rinse quinoa before cooking it. This helps remove any bitterness and ensures a better taste.
• Not seasoning the chicken properly: Make sure to season the chicken thoroughly with the spice mixture. This adds depth and flavor to your grilled chicken.
• Overcooking the quinoa: Keep an eye on the simmering quinoa. Overcooking can lead to mushy grains instead of fluffy ones.
• Skipping the avocado salsa: The avocado salsa is essential for balancing flavors in this dish. Don’t skip it; it brings freshness and creaminess!
• Forgetting to let the chicken rest: Letting grilled chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking keeps it juicy. Cutting too soon can result in dry meat.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in airtight containers.
• They’ll keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• You can freeze portions for up to 2 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for best results.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.

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! You can substitute brown rice for quinoa if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can use water instead of chicken broth. For added flavor, consider adding a bit of salt and spices while cooking the quinoa.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the grilled chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu, and use vegetable broth for the quinoa.

How do I customize my burrito bowl?

Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, olives, or different cheeses for a unique twist!

How long does it take to prepare these bowls?

The total time is approximately 45 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are flavorful and versatile, making them perfect for any meal. You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite toppings or substituting ingredients based on your dietary needs. Give this recipe a try – it’s sure to become a new favorite!