“Bowls” are a thing now. I’ve been making them for the past few months, and I love that you can just throw in one bowl whatever you happen to have on hand and you quickly end up with a healthy delicious and satisfying meal. It’s the perfect dinner for a weeknight.
I’m in the mood for Mexican tonight, so the BOWL is going to be Mexican themed.
Now, having said all of the above, this bowl is NOT what you’d get at Moe’s or at Chipotle – with chips and fat and melted cheese everywhere. But, if you’re craving Mexican and want a healthy alternative, this bowl fits the bill. Feel free to add more toppings to enhance the flavor.
Chicken Burrito Bowls
(Adapted from Fit Foodie Finds)
Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
salt and pepper
2 TBSP lime juice
Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
***You can also use cauliflower rice here for an even healthier alternative – just saute in a bit of olive oil for a few minutes, then add salt and pepper.
1 cup brown rice
2 cups water or chicken broth
2 TBSP Lime Juice
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1-2 tsp salt
Veggies
1 large red pepper, sliced
1 large green pepper, sliced
1/2 large yellow onion, sliced
2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp paprika
salt and pepper, to taste
Beans
1 15 oz. can black beans (or can use pinto beans here)
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Optional: 1 tsp tabasco (or other hot sauce)
Toppings
Go crazy here and make it your own!
Options: Shredded Cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, queso blanco), guacamole (or sliced avocado sprinkled with S&P and lemon juice), salsa, sour cream, jalapeños, scallions, fresh or canned corn kernels, pico de gallo, chopped black olives, shredded lettuce, or chopped tomatoes.
Chicken
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F, and line a baking sheet with tin foil and spray with cooking spray. Place chicken breast on baking sheet, and season well with salt and pepper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes (depending on the thickness of your chicken. Once the chicken is cooked squeeze on some fresh lime juice. Dice into chunks or shred in a food processor.
Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
Place rice and water into a medium pot and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, cover and turn heat to low. Let simmer for 30-40 minutes or until all water has absorbed.
Once rice is cooked, squeeze on some fresh lime juice, and season with fresh cilantro and salt. Mix.
Fajita Veggies
Place olive oil in a large sauce pan and heat to medium/high. Add in peppers and onion and saute for 7-10 minutes or until onions are translucent.
Season with minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Beans
Place beans, salt, and pepper into a small pot and turn to medium/high heat.
Cook for 5 minutes or until beans are warm.
Assemble chicken burrito bowls by separating the chicken, rice, beans, and fajita veggies into 4 servings.
Then, top with your favorite toppings and there you have it! ENJOY! OLE!
