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. This recipe for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or gatherings with friends. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber from quinoa and beans.
• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients based on your preference; add more veggies or different proteins!
• Flavorful Ingredients: The blend of spices, fresh ingredients, and creamy avocado salsa creates an explosion of taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for preparing ahead; store in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather a few essential tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Meat mallet

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the chicken.
• Medium saucepan: Used to cook quinoa perfectly and evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Great for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps mix spices evenly for seasoning the chicken.

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Ingredients

For the Quinoa

• 1 1/2 cups dry quinoa
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp ancho chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Chicken

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

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. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until all broth has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

While the quinoa is cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan to 425 degrees F. In a small bowl whisk together ancho chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness using the flat side of a meat mallet. Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil then season generously with the spice mixture. Grill chicken until its center registers 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer—about 4 minutes per side. Once grilled, transfer to a plate; cover and let rest for another 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 3: Prepare Avocado Salsa

As the chicken rests, prepare your avocado salsa. In a medium mixing bowl gently toss together diced tomatoes, avocados, red onion, minced jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls

To assemble your burrito bowls, divide cooked quinoa among serving bowls. Top each portion with sliced grilled chicken, warmed corn, black beans if using, cheese if desired, generous scoops of avocado salsa, and Greek yogurt. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are perfect for a wholesome meal. You can customize your bowls with various toppings and sides to enhance the flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Add Fresh Greens

• Use mixed greens or spinach as a base for your burrito bowl. This adds a refreshing crunch and boosts the nutritional value.

Include Extra Protein

• Consider adding grilled shrimp or blackened fish for an extra protein boost. This variation can introduce new flavors and textures.

Top with Nuts or Seeds

• Sprinkle some pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds on top of your bowl. This adds a delightful crunch and healthy fats.

Serve with Tortilla Chips

• Pair your burrito bowl with homemade or store-bought tortilla chips for dipping in the avocado salsa. It makes for a fantastic contrast of textures.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Finish off your dish with fresh cilantro or parsley. It brightens up the flavors and adds a pop of color to your presentation.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Creating the perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls requires attention to detail and some culinary tips. Follow these suggestions for an outstanding meal.

• Marinate the Chicken: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for 30 minutes before grilling.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables, especially avocados and tomatoes, as they add superior taste and nutrients.
• Cook Quinoa Properly: Rinse quinoa before cooking it to remove bitterness, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more jalapeño or using a milder chili powder according to your preference.
• Let Ingredients Rest: Allow ingredients like grilled chicken to rest before slicing; this helps retain their juices making them more tender.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese such as pepper jack or feta for varied flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

To complement your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls, consider serving these delicious side dishes that pair well with the main course.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A flavorful mix of corn, lime, cheese, and spices that adds sweetness and zest.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with cilantro and lime juice offers brightness that complements the burrito bowls.
3. Black Bean Soup: A hearty soup that’s rich in flavor and pairs perfectly with the bowls for added protein.
4. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip seasoned with lime, garlic, and salt enhances any Mexican-inspired meal.
5. Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro provides a zesty contrast.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with quinoa or rice create an appealing side dish that matches the theme.
7. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables grilled until charred can add smoky flavors to your meal.
8. Corn Tortillas: Warm corn tortillas serve as a delightful accompaniment for scooping up all those tasty ingredients!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks make simple mistakes that can affect the outcome of their Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa. Here are some common pitfalls to keep in mind.

• Skipping the resting time for chicken: Not allowing the grilled chicken to rest can lead to dry meat. Let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.
• Overcooking the quinoa: Cooking quinoa too long can make it mushy. Follow the recommended cooking time and allow it to sit covered after cooking.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland bowls. Make sure to season each component well, from the chicken to the quinoa.
• Not preparing ingredients ahead: Waiting until the last minute to chop veggies can slow you down. Prep your ingredients in advance for a smoother cooking process.
• Neglecting avocado care: Dicing avocados too early can lead to browning. Prepare them just before serving for freshness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• Consume within 3–4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers.
• Best used within 2–3 months for quality retention.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bowls in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover lightly, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other proteins in these burrito bowls?

Yes! Feel free to substitute grilled turkey or beef for the chicken if desired.

How can I customize my Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa?

You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini and switch up the toppings with your favorite salsas or sauces.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are naturally gluten-free since they contain quinoa and no wheat products.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu, and adjust seasonings accordingly.

What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

Consider serving a light salad or tortilla chips on the side for added crunch and flavor!

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa is an appealing dish that combines vibrant flavors and textures. This recipe allows you to customize each bowl according to your preferences, making it a versatile choice for any meal. Try it out today and enjoy creating your own delicious variations!