A fresh, colorful, and satisfying bowl packed with juicy cilantro-lime chicken, fluffy rice, creamy avocado, black beans, corn, and a bright lime finish. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Cilantro Lime Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
For the Rice
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- Juice of ½ lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Pinch of salt
For the Bowl Toppings
- 1 large avocado, sliced or diced
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- Extra lime wedges
- Extra fresh cilantro for garnish
Optional Creamy Lime Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 small garlic clove, grated or minced
- Pinch of salt
- 1–2 tablespoons water, as needed
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro.
Add the chicken and coat well. Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes if time allows.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden and cooked through.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice
Place the warm cooked rice in a bowl. Add lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a small pinch of salt. Fluff everything together with a fork.
4. Make the Optional Lime Sauce
Whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and salt. Add a little water until the sauce reaches your desired drizzling consistency.
5. Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cilantro lime rice among 4 bowls.
Arrange the sliced chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, and avocado over the rice.
Drizzle with the creamy lime sauce, if using, and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
Serving Ideas
Serve this bowl with:
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Jalapeño slices for extra heat
- Shredded lettuce
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Crumbled feta or cotija cheese
- Tortilla chips on the side
Nut Information
This recipe is naturally nut-free when prepared with the ingredients listed.
However, always check labels on packaged ingredients such as:
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Seasonings and spice blends
- Canned beans
- Pre-made sauces
These products may occasionally be produced in facilities that also process peanuts or tree nuts.
Optional additions: If adding nuts or nut-based toppings, such as toasted pumpkin seeds are technically seeds—not nuts—but cross-contamination may still be possible depending on processing.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store the chicken, rice, beans, corn, and vegetables in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For best results, store the avocado separately and add it just before serving to prevent browning.
Meal Prep Tip
Keep the creamy sauce in a separate small container and drizzle it over the bowl when ready to eat.
Nutrition Estimate
Approximate nutrition per serving, without optional sauce:
- Calories: 550–650
- Protein: 40–45g
- Carbohydrates: 55–65g
- Fat: 18–25g
- Fiber: 10–14g
Nutritional values may vary depending on the type of rice, chicken, avocado, and toppings used.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful and work perfectly in this recipe.
Q: Can I make this bowl low carb?
A: Absolutely. Replace the rice with cauliflower rice, shredded lettuce, or extra vegetables.
Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Yes. Brown rice adds extra fiber and has a nuttier flavor.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, the basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check labels on any packaged seasonings or sauces.
Q: Is this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, if you skip the optional Greek yogurt or sour cream sauce.
Q: How can I keep the avocado from turning brown?
A: Toss it gently with a little fresh lime juice and store it in an airtight container.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cook the chicken and rice ahead, chop the vegetables, and assemble when ready to eat.
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice, but it is best to add fresh avocado, tomatoes, and other vegetables after thawing.
Q: Is avocado a nut?
A: No. Avocado is a fruit, not a tree nut.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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