Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Here you get everything you’d find in a burrito sans tortilla and with nutritious quinoa instead! These Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are layered with seasoned, tender grilled chicken, hearty black beans, flavorful cheese, sweet corn, and a refreshing avocado salsa. Perfect for meal prepping or serving at dinner parties, this dish is a delightful blend of flavors that will leave everyone satisfied.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Layers: Each ingredient adds its own unique flavor, creating a delicious medley that’s hard to resist.
• Healthy Alternative: With quinoa as the base, you get a nutritious kick compared to traditional burritos.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile Options: Customize it to your liking by swapping out ingredients or adding your favorite toppings.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious burrito bowls, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Meat mallet

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Ideal for achieving perfectly grilled chicken with those beautiful char marks.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for cooking quinoa evenly without burning it.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing the avocado salsa and mixing ingredients together seamlessly.
• Meat mallet: Helps ensure even cooking of chicken by flattening it out.

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Ingredients

For the Quinoa Base

• 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

Optional Ingredients

• 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 5 minutes.

Step 2: Grill 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, 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, and let rest for 5 minutes before cutting into pieces. Season with more salt if desired.

Step 3: Prepare the 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 with chicken pieces, corn, black beans if using them, 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 versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Add Extra Proteins

• Grilled shrimp: Juicy grilled shrimp add a seafood twist that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the bowl.
• Blackened fish: Use tilapia or salmon for a flavorful, protein-rich option that complements the spices.

Include Additional Toppings

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro enhances freshness and brightness in every bite.
• Lime wedges: Serve with lime wedges for an extra citrus kick when squeezed over the bowl.

Pair with Crunchy Elements

• Tortilla chips: Add a side of crispy tortilla chips for delightful crunch and a fun scoopable element.
• Sliced radishes: Thinly sliced radishes offer a peppery crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft ingredients.

Make It a Feast

• Family-style serving: Present all components in separate bowls, allowing guests to build their own burrito bowls according to their preferences.
• Buffet spread: Create a burrito bowl bar by adding various proteins, toppings, and sauces for a customizable dining experience.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

To ensure your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are bursting with flavor and texture, follow these tips for perfection.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh produce not only enhances flavor but also adds vibrant colors to your bowls.
• Marinate chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the chili powder mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Cook quinoa properly: Rinse quinoa before cooking for fluffier grains and to remove any bitterness.
• Adjust spice levels: Customize the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño in the avocado salsa.
• Experiment with toppings: Try different cheeses like feta or pepper jack for a unique twist on flavor.
• Prep ahead: Cook quinoa and grill chicken in advance for quick assembly during busy weeknights.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Complement your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with these delightful side dishes that enhance your dining experience.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad – A mix of corn, mayo, cheese, lime juice, and spices creates a refreshing side dish that pairs well.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice – Fluffy rice tossed with fresh cilantro and lime juice adds zesty flavor to balance the richness of the bowls.
3. Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Seasoned sweet potatoes roasted until crisp provide a deliciously sweet contrast to savory flavors.
4. Guacamole and Chips – Creamy guacamole served alongside tortilla chips makes for an irresistible appetizer or snack.
5. Black Bean Salad – A simple salad of black beans, corn, red onion, and bell pepper dressed in lime juice complements the main dish well.
6. Grilled Veggies – Assorted seasonal vegetables grilled until charred add color and health benefits while enhancing flavors.

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 flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some tips to ensure your bowls turn out perfectly.

• Ignoring the quinoa cooking instructions: Quinoa needs precise water ratios and cooking times. Be sure to follow the instructions closely for the best texture.
• Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry, tough meat. Use a thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it remains juicy.
• Skipping seasoning: Proper seasoning enhances flavor. Don’t skip the chili powder mixture; it’s essential for a well-seasoned burrito bowl.
• Not letting ingredients rest: Allowing grilled chicken to rest before slicing helps retain juices. A quick five-minute rest can make a big difference.
• Making avocado salsa too early: To prevent browning, prepare avocado salsa just before serving. This keeps it fresh and vibrant in color.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Place individual portions in freezer-safe containers.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

To add spice, include minced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce in the avocado salsa or sprinkle some chili flakes on top before serving.

Can I customize the ingredients in my Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Absolutely! You can swap out black beans for pinto beans or add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini according to your taste preferences.

What other toppings can I use for these burrito bowls?

Consider adding toppings such as sliced olives, shredded lettuce, or fresh diced mango for more flavors and textures.

Are Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls healthy?

Yes! These bowls are packed with protein from chicken and fiber from quinoa and beans, making them both nutritious and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them based on your preferences by adding different vegetables or proteins. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation!