Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Here you get everything you’d find in a burrito sans tortilla and with nutritious quinoa instead! Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to meal prep for the busy week ahead. This recipe brings together layers of seasoned grilled chicken, hearty black beans, flavorful cheese, sweet corn, and a refreshing avocado salsa—creating a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe is easy to follow and takes only 45 minutes from start to finish.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein-rich chicken and fiber-filled quinoa, this dish provides a balanced meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Customize your burrito bowl by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the spice level.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Gather these essentials before you start making your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa.

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: Ensures even cooking and adds that delicious charred flavor to your chicken.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for cooking quinoa evenly without burning or sticking.
• Mixing bowls: Ideal for preparing the avocado salsa and mixing seasonings effortlessly.
• Instant-read thermometer: Helps you check if your chicken is cooked perfectly, ensuring safety and taste.

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 Bowl

• 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 Grilled Chicken

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil

Optional Toppings

• 1 2/3 cups frozen corn (warmed)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans (warmed along with liquid from 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 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, salt, and pepper. 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 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 it, and let it 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, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro. 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 if using them, cheese if desired, avocado salsa, and Greek yogurt. Serve immediately for maximum freshness!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Serving Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa is a delightful experience that allows you to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Customize Your Bowl

• Rice substitute: Swap quinoa for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a different base.
• Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu for a plant-based version.

Add Extra Toppings

• Sliced jalapeños: For those who love heat, fresh or pickled jalapeños can add a spicy kick.
• Sour cream drizzle: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream adds creaminess and tang.

Pair with Fresh Sides

• Crispy tortilla chips: Serve alongside for a crunchy texture contrast.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice enhances the flavors in each bite.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Perfecting your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish shines.

• seasoning: Use generous amounts of ancho chili powder and cumin on the chicken for deep flavor.
• Rest the chicken: Allowing the grilled chicken to rest before slicing keeps it juicy and tender.
• Fresh ingredients: Always opt for ripe avocados and fresh tomatoes in your avocado salsa for optimal taste.
• Experiment with grains: Try using farro or barley instead of quinoa for a unique twist on the grain base.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Enhancing your meal can be as simple as adding the right side dishes. Here are some great options that pair well with Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa.

1. Guacamole: This creamy dip made from ripe avocados complements the flavors beautifully. Serve with tortilla chips.
2. Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob coated in mayo, cheese, and chili powder offers a sweet and savory side.
3. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cilantro adds color and nutrition.
4. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa provides a zesty crunch that pairs perfectly with burrito bowls.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or fried sweet potato fries bring sweetness and crispiness to balance the meal.
6. Cilantro Lime Rice: Lightly seasoned rice infused with lime juice and cilantro enhances the overall flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can impact the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Overcooking the quinoa – Cooking quinoa for too long can turn it mushy. Follow the instructions carefully and let it rest after cooking for the perfect texture.
• Neglecting to season the chicken – Failing to season your chicken properly will result in bland flavors. Use the spice mix generously on both sides for a delicious punch.
• Not letting the chicken rest – Cutting into the chicken immediately after grilling can cause juices to run out, making it dry. Allow it to rest for at least five minutes before slicing.
• Using unripe avocados – An unripe avocado won’t have the creamy texture you want in your salsa. Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed for optimal flavor.
• Overloading bowls with toppings – While toppings are great, too many can overwhelm the dish and make it messy. Aim for balance by distributing toppings evenly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• The grilled chicken burrito bowls can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• These bowls freeze well without toppings.
• They can be stored in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Warm on medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa.

Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?

Yes! Brown rice is a great alternative if you prefer it over quinoa. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.

How can I customize my burrito bowl?

Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap proteins like beef or tofu. The options are endless!

What if I don’t have ancho chili powder?

You can substitute cayenne pepper or regular chili powder, but keep in mind this may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add more jalapeño or include diced serrano peppers in your avocado salsa for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them to suit your taste preferences, making them a fantastic option for any meal. Try different toppings and enjoy this healthy twist on a classic burrito!