Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa offer a delightful twist on traditional burritos by combining tender grilled chicken, nutritious quinoa, and a vibrant avocado salsa. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to meal prep for the week. The layers of flavor and texture will surely please everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this meal is both filling and healthy.
• Flavorful Layers: Enjoy a mix of spices and fresh ingredients that create an explosion of flavors in every bite.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients or add your favorite toppings to suit your taste preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: These bowls store well, making them ideal for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools 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 even cooking and adds that perfect char to the chicken.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking quinoa evenly while absorbing all the flavors from the broth.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for preparing the fresh avocado salsa without creating a mess.
• Instant-read thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly without overcooking.

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

• 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 Toppings (Optional)

• 1 2/3 cups frozen corn (warmed)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans (warmed along with liquid then drained)
• Mexican blend cheese or queso fresco
• Plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream

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)
• 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 allow to simmer for 15 minutes or until broth has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Meanwhile, heat a grill (or indoor grill, panini press, or stove with a grill pan) 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 a meat mallet. Brush both sides with olive oil then season with the chili powder mixture. Grill chicken until center registers 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer—about 4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate, cover it with foil, and let rest for another 5 minutes before cutting into pieces.

Step 3: Make the Avocado Salsa

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

Step 4: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls

To assemble burrito bowls, divide cooked quinoa among serving bowls. Top each bowl with grilled chicken pieces, warmed corn, black beans if using, cheese if desired, avocado salsa, and Greek yogurt. Serve immediately for best flavor!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, these bowls are sure to impress.

Customize Your Bowl

• Add Extra Veggies: Consider adding sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Top your bowl with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick.
• Swap the Protein: For variety, try using grilled turkey or beef instead of chicken to change up the flavor profile.
• Use Different Grains: Substitute quinoa with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a different texture and taste.

Garnish Options

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top for an aromatic finish.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness when squeezed over the dish.
• Sour Cream Alternatives: For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or guacamole as a creamy topping.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

To make your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls even more delicious, here are some simple tips to keep in mind.

• Bold Seasoning: Ensure your chicken is well-seasoned before grilling. This enhances flavor and keeps it juicy.
• Rest Your Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest after grilling. This helps retain moisture, making every bite tender.
• Rinse Quinoa: Rinse your quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness and improve flavor.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh produce whenever possible. Fresh tomatoes and avocados will elevate the overall taste of the salsa.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A flavorful mix of corn, lime, cheese, and spices, perfect for complementing the bowl.
2. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, diced peppers, and cilantro; it’s light yet filling.
3. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with fresh cilantro and lime juice adds brightness that complements the main dish.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with homemade salsa offer a delightful crunch alongside your burrito bowl.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables seasoned with olive oil add depth and flavor to your meal.
6. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs perfectly with the flavors in the bowl while providing healthy fats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa to the next level.

• Not rinsing quinoa: Rinsing quinoa removes its bitter coating called saponin. Always rinse it under cold water before cooking for a better flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Grilling chicken for too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to 165 degrees F and remains juicy.
• Skipping seasoning: Seasoning is key to flavorful dishes. Don’t skip the spices on the chicken and remember to season each component of the bowl.
• Ignoring the resting time: Letting grilled chicken rest helps retain its juices. Allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
• Making bland salsa: The avocado salsa should be vibrant in flavor. Don’t forget lime juice and salt to enhance its taste; adjust according to your preference.

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

• Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place bowls in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe containers, covered, on medium power for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet, add a little broth or water, cover, and heat on medium until warm, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa.

Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

You can substitute quinoa with rice or couscous if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I customize my Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Feel free to add your favorite toppings like black olives, jalapeños, or different types of cheese for extra flavor!

How long does it take to make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa?

The total time is approximately 45 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

You may replace Greek yogurt with light sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative if desired.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and fulfilling. Give this recipe a try, and feel free to experiment with different toppings!