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 cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week. This dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it both satisfying and healthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious Twist: Swapping traditional tortillas for quinoa makes this bowl lighter yet still filling.
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 45 minutes, you can whip up this flavorful meal without fuss.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of grilled chicken and fresh avocado salsa elevates classic burrito flavors.
- Customizable Options: You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys their bowl.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment to make the process smooth and efficient.
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 charred flavor on the chicken, enhancing the overall taste.
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking quinoa evenly without burning it.
- Mixing bowl: Useful for combining your fresh ingredients for the avocado salsa seamlessly.
- Instant-read thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked safely to perfection, preventing undercooking.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa:
For the Quinoa Base
- 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
Toppings
- 1 2/3 cups frozen corn (warmed) (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans (warmed, 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 and minced, optional for less heat)
- 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 the quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the broth is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat your grill to 425 degrees F. In a small bowl, whisk together ancho chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts evenly. Brush both sides with olive oil and season them with the spice mixture. Grill until the center reaches 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer—about 4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate, cover it with foil, and let it rest for another 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Prepare Avocado Salsa
While your chicken rests, make the avocado salsa. In a mixing bowl, gently toss together diced tomatoes, avocados, red onion, jalapeño, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro—seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls
To serve your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, divide cooked quinoa among serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced grilled chicken, warmed corn, black beans if using, cheese if desired, generous portions of avocado salsa, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa
Serving Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa is a delightful experience that allows for customization. You can easily mix and match toppings to suit your taste and make each bowl unique.
Add Fresh Greens
- Spinach or Mixed Greens: A handful of fresh spinach or mixed greens adds a crunchy texture and nutritional boost.
Include Extra Protein
- Black Beans: Adding more black beans enhances the protein content and gives your bowl a hearty feel.
- Shrimp or Tofu: For those looking for variety, grilled shrimp or marinated tofu can be great alternatives.
Drizzle with Flavor
- Hot Sauce: A few drops of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile, giving it a spicy kick.
- Cilantro Lime Dressing: Drizzling some cilantro lime dressing will add freshness and zest to each bite.
Serve with Crunchy Toppings
- Tortilla Strips: Crispy tortilla strips provide a satisfying crunch that complements the soft ingredients in the bowl.
- Crushed Tortilla Chips: For an extra crispy texture, crushed tortilla chips can be sprinkled on top.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and enhances the visual appeal of your dish.
How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa
To make sure your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are as delicious as possible, consider these helpful tips for perfection.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes can infuse it with more flavor.
- Cook Quinoa Properly: Make sure not to overcook quinoa; it should be fluffy, not mushy.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the amount of jalapeño used in the avocado salsa based on your spice preference.
- Keep Everything Warm: Serve all components warm for a comforting meal.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste your salsa and adjust seasoning before assembling your bowls.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa
Pairing side dishes with Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing salad featuring corn, lime, cheese, and spices that complements the flavors of your bowl.
- Chips and Guacamole: Classic tortilla chips served alongside creamy guacamole create a perfect appetizer.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed in lime juice and cilantro makes a wonderful base for any Mexican dish.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide additional protein and richness to round out the meal.
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime adds brightness to your dinner plate.
- Grilled Veggies: Seasoned grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus offer a healthy side option bursting with flavor.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet mango salsa brings a unique twist that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken flavors.
- Corn Tortillas: Soft corn tortillas are great for scooping up all the delicious fillings from your burrito bowl!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Overcooking the Quinoa: If you cook quinoa too long, it can become mushy. Stick to the cooking time of 15 minutes and let it rest afterward.
- Skipping Seasoning: Don’t overlook seasoning the chicken and quinoa. Use spices generously to enhance flavors and avoid bland dishes.
- Using Unripe Avocados: Unripe avocados won’t provide that creamy texture. Choose ripe avocados for a fresh taste in your salsa.
- Ignoring Resting Times: Letting the grilled chicken rest allows juices to redistribute. Skipping this step makes the chicken dry.
- Not Mixing Ingredients Gently: When preparing avocado salsa, mix ingredients gently to keep avocados intact for a better texture and presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in airtight containers.
- They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa
- Place components in separate freezer-safe containers for best results.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bowls in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer portions into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
- Stovetop: Warm a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and stir until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I customize my Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa?
You can add different proteins like beef or tofu. Also, feel free to include more vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all components ahead of time. Just store them separately until you’re ready to assemble your bowls.
Is the avocado salsa necessary?
While it adds flavor and freshness, you can skip it if you prefer simpler toppings like salsa or pico de gallo.
What other grains can I use instead of quinoa?
Brown rice or cauliflower rice are great alternatives that will still complement the flavors well.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Absolutely! Canned black beans are convenient; just rinse them before adding to your bowls.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are a delightful meal filled with vibrant flavors and textures. This recipe is versatile—feel free to customize it based on your preferences. Whether you want extra veggies or different protein options, the possibilities are endless!
Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, a nutritious twist on traditional burritos. This easy recipe swaps tortillas for protein-packed quinoa, creating a lighter yet satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The combination of tender grilled chicken and fresh avocado salsa delivers an explosion of taste in every bite. Customize your bowl with optional toppings like corn, black beans, or cheese to cater to everyone’s preferences. With a total preparation time of just 45 minutes, you can enjoy this hearty dish any day of the week!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 2/3 cups frozen corn (warmed) (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans (warmed, drained) (optional)
- Mexican blend cheese or queso fresco (optional)
- Plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream (optional)
- 3 medium roma tomatoes (diced)
- 1 1/2 medium avocados (diced)
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion (rinsed)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced, optional for less heat)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, stir together the quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the broth is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Heat your grill to 425 degrees F. In a small bowl, whisk together ancho chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts evenly. Brush both sides with olive oil and season them with the spice mixture. Grill until the center reaches 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer—about 4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate, cover it with foil, and let it rest for another 5 minutes before slicing.
- While your chicken rests, make the avocado salsa. In a mixing bowl, gently toss together diced tomatoes, avocados, red onion, jalapeño, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro—seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, divide cooked quinoa among serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced grilled chicken, warmed corn, black beans if using, cheese if desired, generous portions of avocado salsa, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Enjoy immediately!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Feel free to customize toppings based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
