Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Here you get everything you’d find in a burrito sans tortilla and with nutritious quinoa instead! The Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a quick weeknight meal. Packed with flavors, this dish features seasoned grilled chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a refreshing avocado salsa that brings it all together. It’s not only delicious but also a healthier option that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with protein from chicken and fiber from quinoa and black beans.
• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Flavorful Layers: Each bite is bursting with flavor from the spices and fresh ingredients.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, ideal for lunch prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, gather your essential tools. These will help ensure your cooking process goes smoothly and efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Meat mallet
• Instant read thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Provides the best grilling method for juicy chicken with great flavor.
• Medium saucepan: Essential for perfectly cooking quinoa to achieve the right texture.
• Instant read thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked safely to the proper internal temperature.

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: Prepare the Chicken

Meanwhile, heat a 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 and seasonings. Pound chicken breasts to even out their thickness using the flat side of meat mallet. Brush both sides with olive oil then season both sides of chicken with the spice mixture. Grill 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 before cutting into pieces.

Step 3: Make Avocado Salsa

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

Step 4: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls

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

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these bowls are sure to delight. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

For a Family Dinner

• Keep it simple: Serve the bowls individually, allowing each family member to customize their toppings.
• Add a side of tortilla chips: Crispy chips provide a delightful crunch and can be used to scoop up the ingredients.

For Meal Prep

• Pack in jars: Layer the quinoa, chicken, and toppings in mason jars for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
• Separate dressing: Keep the avocado salsa in a separate container to keep everything fresh until ready to eat.

As Party Food

• Create a burrito bowl bar: Set up a buffet-style table with all the components so guests can build their own bowls.
• Offer drink pairings: Serve with refreshing drinks like iced tea or margaritas to complement the flavors.

Kid-Friendly Options

• Make it fun: Use cookie cutters to shape the chicken or cheese into fun designs.
• Encourage customization: Let kids choose their own toppings, making mealtime more engaging and enjoyable.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Perfecting your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa is all about balancing flavors and textures. Follow these tips for an unforgettable meal.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor of your avocado salsa and overall dish.
• Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Cook quinoa properly: Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its bitter coating, ensuring a better taste.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify spice levels based on your preference by adding more or less jalapeño.
• Let chicken rest: Allowing grilled chicken to rest for five minutes before cutting helps retain its juices for more tenderness.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

To elevate your meal even further, consider these delightful side dishes that pair perfectly with Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa.

1. Cilantro Lime Rice – Fluffy rice flavored with fresh cilantro and lime juice complements the burrito bowls beautifully.
2. Black Bean Salad – A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime creates a zesty side that echoes the flavors of your main dish.
3. Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables grilled until tender add color and nutrition while enhancing the overall presentation.
4. Mexican Street Corn – Charred corn on the cob slathered in creamy sauce brings a sweet and savory contrast to your meal.
5. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole made from ripe avocados adds richness and pairs well with the other flavors in your bowl.
6. Pico de Gallo – Fresh tomato salsa provides brightness and acidity that will cut through richer components of your burrito bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve the best Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Ignoring Quinoa Rinsing: Not rinsing quinoa before cooking can lead to a bitter taste. Always rinse it under cold water to remove its natural coating, which can be unpleasant.
• Overcooking Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F and avoid cooking it too long.
• Skipping Seasoning: Forgetting to season the chicken properly can result in bland flavors. Make sure to use enough spices in your seasoning mix for a tasty dish.
• Not Letting Chicken Rest: Cutting into the chicken immediately after grilling can cause juices to run out, leading to dryness. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
• Cutting Ingredients Too Large: If you cut your vegetables too large for the avocado salsa, they won’t mix well. Aim for uniform, bite-sized pieces for better texture and flavor integration.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls in airtight containers.
• They can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• These bowls can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the bowl covered with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa?

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are a nutritious twist on traditional burritos. They consist of seasoned grilled chicken served over quinoa with fresh toppings like avocado salsa.

Can I customize my Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Absolutely! You can add or swap ingredients based on your preferences. Try adding more veggies or using different types of beans.

How do I make the avocado salsa?

To make avocado salsa, combine diced tomatoes, avocados, red onion, jalapeño, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, and season with salt and pepper.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes! Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are packed with protein from chicken and black beans while being rich in nutrients from quinoa and fresh vegetables.

Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?

Yes! Brown rice is a great substitute if you prefer it over quinoa. Adjust cooking times as needed since brown rice may take longer to cook.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that are satisfying and healthy. This versatile recipe allows for customization based on your taste preferences—whether you want extra spice or more veggies. Enjoy a delicious meal that feels both comforting and fresh!