Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa offer a delightful twist on classic burrito flavors without the tortilla. These bowls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. The combination of tender grilled chicken, hearty quinoa, and fresh avocado salsa creates a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Prepare this dish in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for those busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: Enjoy layers of flavor from seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty salsa.
• Healthy Alternative: Substitute tortillas with quinoa for a nutritious boost without diminishing taste.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust toppings based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra servings and store them in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, you will need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Grill (or indoor grill/panini press)
• Meat mallet
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking quinoa evenly in chicken broth for added flavor.
• Grill: Provides that delicious charred flavor to the chicken, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Meat mallet: Helps ensure even cooking by flattening chicken breasts to a uniform thickness.

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 from the can 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 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 then 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: Grill the Chicken

Meanwhile, heat your grill (or indoor grill, panini press, or cook over the stove in a grill pan) to 425 degrees F. In a small bowl whisk together ancho chili powder, cumin, garlic powder along with salt and pepper. Pound chicken breasts to even out their thickness using the flat side of meat mallet. Brush both sides of chicken with olive oil then season with 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 and let rest for 5 minutes then cut into pieces.

Step 3: Prepare Avocado Salsa

While the chicken is resting, prepare avocado salsa by gently tossing together tomatoes, avocados, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble Burrito Bowls

To assemble burrito bowls, divide cooked quinoa among serving bowls. Top each bowl with grilled chicken pieces, corn, black beans, 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 versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. These bowls are not just filling but also visually appealing, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Lime Wedges – Squeeze fresh lime juice over the bowls for an extra zesty flavor.
• Sliced Jalapeños – Add some heat by garnishing with sliced jalapeños for those who love spice.

Pair with Protein-Rich Toppings

• Black Beans – Enhance the protein content and texture of the dish by adding more warmed black beans.
• Shredded Chicken – For additional protein, top your bowl with leftover grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.

Add Crunchy Elements

• Tortilla Chips – Crush tortilla chips on top for added crunch and texture contrast.
• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds – Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds for a nutty flavor and extra crunch.

Serve with Creamy Accents

• Plain Greek Yogurt – A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy flavor that complements the salsa.
• Guacamole – For avocado lovers, serve with an extra side of guacamole to enhance richness.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Creating the perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Bold seasoning – Marinate the chicken longer in the spice mix for deeper flavor penetration.
• Cook quinoa properly – Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness and ensure a fluffy texture.
• Use fresh ingredients – Opt for fresh vegetables for the avocado salsa to enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Experiment with toppings – Mix various toppings like cheese, olives, or even nuts to suit your palate.
• Rest the chicken – Allowing grilled chicken to rest helps retain its juices, ensuring it remains tender.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Complement your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with these delightful side dishes that add variety and flavor to your meal.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad – A refreshing corn salad mixed with lime, cilantro, and cotija cheese; great for sharing!
2. Cilantro Lime Rice – Fluffy rice tossed in cilantro and lime juice; a perfect base for any Mexican dish.
3. Chips & Salsa – Classic tortilla chips served with homemade salsa can kick off any meal beautifully.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized; they add color and nutrients to your plate.
5. Black Bean Soup – A hearty soup made from black beans; it pairs nicely as a warm side option.
6. Fruit Salad – A colorful medley of seasonal fruits offers a sweet contrast to savory dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can result in bland flavors. Always ensure you use a good mix of spices.

• Not letting the quinoa rest: If you skip the resting time after cooking quinoa, it may become mushy. Allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes after cooking for best texture.

• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry and tough. Use a thermometer to check that it reaches 165 degrees F.

• Using unripe avocados: Ripe avocados add creaminess and flavor to your salsa. Choose avocados that yield slightly when pressed for optimal taste.

• Forgetting to drain black beans: Not draining the black beans can make your dish watery. Always drain and rinse them before adding to your bowl.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• These bowls can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the bowl with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa:

How do I make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa healthier?

You can reduce calories by using less cheese or Greek yogurt. Adding more vegetables is another great way to boost nutrition while keeping flavors intact!

Can I substitute quinoa in Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Yes! You can use brown rice or cauliflower rice as alternatives if you’re looking for different grains or want a low-carb option.

How long do leftovers last?

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored properly.

What toppings can I add to my burrito bowls?

Feel free to customize your bowls with toppings like sliced jalapeños, fresh lime wedges, or extra cilantro for added flavor.

Can I meal prep Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Absolutely! These bowls are perfect for meal prepping. Just store each component separately until you’re ready to eat, then assemble when needed.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa offer a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional burritos. The layers of flavors make this meal appealing and versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes that everyone will love!