Grilled chicken bowl – that simple phrase conjures up memories of lazy summer evenings, the scent of smoky barbecue wafting through the air, and the pure joy of a colorful, healthy meal. As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, I find myself craving the vibrant flavors and easy preparation of a delicious grilled chicken bowl.
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This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a testament to the simple philosophy behind gotastyrecipes.com: Good food doesn’t need to be complicated. With a handful of fresh ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a satisfying and nourishing meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering– a delicious grilled chicken bowl.
Why You Will Love This grilled chicken bowl Recipe
This grilled chicken bowl recipe is all about ease and satisfaction. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good from the inside out. Tender, juicy grilled chicken, vibrant veggies, and a flavorful sauce all come together in a harmonious bowl of deliciousness.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can customize it to your liking, swapping out ingredients based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. Plus, it’s naturally gluten free and easily adaptable to various dietary needs. Think fresh, flavorful, and fun all in one bowl.
Ingredients Needed for This grilled chicken bowl Recipe
For the Chicken:- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice (brown, white, or quinoa)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make This grilled chicken bowl Recipe
- 1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- 2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. *Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.*
- 3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- 4. Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked rice, black beans, corn, bell pepper, avocado, and red onion among bowls.
- 5. Add the Chicken: Slice the grilled chicken breasts and arrange on top of the bowls.
- 6. Drizzle with Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro.
How to Serve This grilled chicken bowl Recipe
This grilled chicken bowl is a complete meal in itself, but there are plenty of ways to customize the serving experience. Consider serving with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy element. For a spicier kick, add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of jalapenos. Get creative with your toppings and make it your own!
How to Store This grilled chicken bowl Recipe
Refrigeration: Store the grilled chicken, rice, and other ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing: Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Assembled bowls are not recommended for freezing. Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.Tips to Make This grilled chicken bowl Recipe
- Chicken Marinade: Don’t skip the marinade! It adds flavor and tenderness to the chicken. You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or as long as 4 hours.
- Rice Choice: Feel free to use your favorite type of rice. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber, while white rice is a classic choice. Alternatively, quinoa is a great protein packed option.
- Grilling Tips: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven.
Helpful Notes for This grilled chicken bowl Recipe
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder in the dressing to suit your taste.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables with your favorites. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or even roasted sweet potatoes would be delicious additions.
- Dressing Variations: If you don’t have lime juice, lemon juice can be used instead. Maple syrup can be substituted for honey.
Variation of This grilled chicken bowl Recipe
- Spicy Chicken Bowl: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade and a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Mediterranean Chicken Bowl: Use feta cheese, olives, and a lemon herb dressing.
- BBQ Chicken Bowl: Toss the grilled chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce and add grilled pineapple.
What are the main ingredients for a grilled chicken bowl?
The main ingredients typically include grilled chicken, a grain base like rice or quinoa, vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and corn), and a flavorful sauce or dressing. You can also add toppings like avocado, beans, or cheese for extra flavor and texture.
How do you grill chicken for a grilled chicken bowl?
Marinate the chicken breasts in a flavorful marinade for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and adding it to your bowl.
What are some healthy additions to a grilled chicken bowl?
To make your grilled chicken bowl healthier, include plenty of fresh vegetables, such as leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded carrots. Opt for a whole grain base like brown rice or quinoa, and use a light dressing or sauce made with healthy fats like olive oil or avocado.
Can I make a grilled chicken bowl ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare most of the ingredients ahead of time. Grill the chicken, chop the vegetables, and cook the grain. Store each component separately in the refrigerator and assemble the bowls when ready to eat. This is a great meal prep option!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy creating this vibrant and flavorful grilled chicken bowl as much as I do. This recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques. It’s a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and create a memorable grilled chicken bowl that everyone will love. If you have any questions or modifications, please leave your comments down below; I’d love to know how this recipe became your own.
Grilled Chicken Bowl: The Easiest Recipe EVER!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant and flavorful grilled chicken bowl recipe with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice (brown, white, or quinoa)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- 2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove chicken then grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through at 165°F (74°C).
- 3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- 4. Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked rice, black beans, corn, bell pepper, avocado, and red onion among bowls.
- 5. Add the Chicken: Slice the grilled chicken breasts and arrange on top of the bowls.
- 6. Drizzle with Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, chicken bowl, healthy, easy, weeknight dinner
