Zesty Lime Cilantro Chicken Bowls

In the fast-paced world we live in, finding meals that are both quick to prepare and delicious can be a challenge. Enter Zesty Lime Cilantro Chicken Bowls—a culinary delight that not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body. This recipe is a celebration of vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, combining tender marinated chicken with nutritious grains and a colorful array of fresh vegetables. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or planning meals for the week ahead, these bowls offer convenience without compromising on taste or health.

Discover the vibrant flavors of Zesty Lime Cilantro Chicken Bowls, a perfect solution for quick and nutritious meals. This delightful dish features tender marinated chicken, nutritious grains, and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, all topped with zesty lime and fragrant cilantro. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports your health. Enjoy a delicious, well-rounded meal that’s easy to customize and packed with wholesome ingredients.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

1 lb boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)

Juice and zest of 2 limes

1/4 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Bowls:

2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa

1 cup black beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado, sliced

1 cup corn (canned, frozen, or fresh)

1/4 cup red onion, diced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Optional: Hot sauce or salsa for extra zest

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro. This will be your marinade.

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).

Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill or sauté each piece for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Once cooked, set aside to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Prepare the Bowls: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your serving bowls. Start with a base of cooked brown rice or quinoa.

Layer Ingredients: In each bowl, add black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, corn, and red onion. Arrange the sliced chicken on top.

Finish and Serve: Drizzle with extra lime juice, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and add lime wedges on the side. If desired, top with hot sauce or salsa for extra flavor.

Enjoy: Serve your Zesty Lime Cilantro Chicken Bowls immediately and dive into this refreshing, flavorful meal!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | 4 servings