Description
Zesty lime chicken bowls deliver Mexican-inspired comfort with bold, fresh flavors that dance across palates. Packed with protein and balanced ingredients, you’ll savor each delicious bite of this simple, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- ½ cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Sliced avocado
- Crumbled feta or cotija cheese
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Whisk olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, honey, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and fragrant.
- Chicken Infusion: Submerge chicken in the marinade using a zip-top bag or shallow dish, ensuring complete coverage. Allow flavors to penetrate for 30 minutes to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- Thermal Transformation: Position oven rack in the center and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Layer a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and optimal heat distribution.
- Culinary Roasting: Transfer marinated chicken onto prepared baking sheet, maintaining even spacing. Roast for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C), ensuring succulent and safe protein.
- Resting Phase: Extract chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain tenderness. Slice or dice according to preference.
- Bowl Construction: Layer cooked rice or quinoa as the foundation in meal prep containers. Strategically arrange sliced chicken, black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, and cilantro for a vibrant and nutritious composition.
- Garnishing Touch: Accompany bowls with fresh lime wedges and optional complementary toppings to enhance flavor profile and visual appeal.
Notes
- Let chicken marinate for the full 8 hours to develop deep, zesty lime and spice notes. Longer marinating time allows seasonings to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety. Remove from oven immediately after reaching target temperature.
- Easily swap rice for cauliflower rice for low-carb version, or use quinoa for gluten-free and protein-rich alternative. Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for vegetarian adaptation.
- Pack wet ingredients like tomatoes and beans separately or add just before eating to maintain crisp texture and prevent soggy bowl bottoms during storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg