Zesty Chicken & Brown Rice Mexican Bowl
This Zesty Chicken & Brown Rice Mexican Bowl is a delightful and nutritious meal that combines the robust flavors of Mexico with wholesome ingredients. Featuring tender chicken breast sautéed to perfection and a vibrant mix of brown rice, black beans, fresh vegetables, and zesty lime, this bowl makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Packed with protein and fiber, it's not only delicious but also a healthy choice for any meal. Perfect for sharing or meal prep, each bowl can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the fresh flavors and colorful ingredients in this quick and easy-to-make dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
long grain brown rice
1/2 cup (rinsed)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
yellow onion
1/2 (diced small)
jalapeño
1/2 (minced)
garlic cloves
1-2 (minced)
black beans
0.5 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 small (seasoned and cooked)
cumin
to taste (for seasoning)
granulated garlic
to taste (for seasoning)
onion powder
to taste (for seasoning)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
cracked black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
olive oil flavored cooking spray
as needed (for cooking)
avocado
1/2 (diced)
cherry tomatoes
1 pint (cut in half, lengthwise)
lime wedges
2 (for serving)
Instructions
1
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil (approximately 4 quarts). Add the long grain brown rice and boil for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
While the rice is cooking, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with cumin, granulated garlic, onion powder, salt, and cracked black pepper. Coat the skillet with olive oil flavored cooking spray and add the chicken. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm by covering it with foil.
3
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Once heated, add the diced yellow onion and minced jalapeño. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the onions become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
4
Add the rinsed and drained black beans to the skillet, stirring to combine, and cook for about 1 minute or until heated through.
5
Mix the sautéed onion and bean mixture with the cooked drained rice and half of the chopped cilantro. Divide this mixture evenly between two serving bowls.
6
Cut the cooked chicken into 1-inch cubes and place half in each bowl on top of the rice mixture. Add half of the diced avocado and half of the cherry tomatoes to each bowl.
7
Finish by garnishing each bowl with the remaining cilantro and a lime wedge. Squeeze the lime juice over each bowl just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Zesty Chicken & Brown Rice Mexican Bowl?
The main protein used in this recipe is boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What type of rice is used for this Mexican bowl?
The recipe calls for long grain brown rice.
How long does it take to cook the brown rice?
The brown rice should be boiled for approximately 30-40 minutes until tender.
Is this Zesty Chicken bowl gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags, this recipe is gluten-free.
How is the chicken seasoned?
The chicken is seasoned with cumin, granulated garlic, onion powder, salt, and cracked black pepper.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe suggests a vegetarian option by omitting the chicken or substituting it with a plant-based protein.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
What kind of onion is recommended for the sauté?
The recipe specifies using half of a yellow onion, diced small.
How should the cherry tomatoes be prepared?
The cherry tomatoes should be cut in half lengthwise.
What type of beans are included in the bowl?
The bowl includes half of a 15-ounce can of black beans.
How much olive oil is used for cooking the vegetables?
Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil are used to sauté the onion and jalapeño.
Does this dish have a spicy kick?
Yes, it includes half of a minced jalapeño for a zesty, spicy flavor.
How do you cook the chicken breasts?
The chicken is sautéed in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes on each side.
What garnishes are used for this dish?
The dish is garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
While the recipe specifies brown rice for nutrition, white rice can be substituted, though cooking times will vary.
Is this meal high in fiber?
Yes, the combination of brown rice and black beans makes this a fiber-rich meal.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the center.
When should I add the lime juice?
Squeeze the lime juice over the bowl just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Should the brown rice be rinsed?
Yes, the ingredients list recommends rinsing the long grain brown rice before cooking.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1-2 minced garlic cloves plus granulated garlic for seasoning the chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the description highlights that this bowl is perfect for meal prep.
What size should the chicken be cut into?
The cooked chicken should be cut into 1-inch cubes.
What type of cooking spray is recommended?
Olive oil flavored cooking spray is used to coat the skillet for the chicken.
How is the cilantro used in this recipe?
Half of the cilantro is mixed into the rice and beans, and the other half is used as a garnish.
How long do the onions need to sauté?
The diced onions should be sautéed for 1-2 minutes until they become translucent.
How is the avocado served?
Half of an avocado is diced and placed on top of each bowl.
Do the black beans need to be cooked separately?
No, they are added to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic until heated through.
What can I use if I don't like cilantro?
You can omit the cilantro or substitute it with fresh parsley or green onions.
Is this dish easy to customize?
Yes, each bowl can be customized with different toppings or vegetables to suit your taste.
Is this considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, taking minimal time to assemble once the rice is boiled.