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Easy Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl – The Best Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl You'll Ever Try

Easy Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl – The Best Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl You’ll Ever Try


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  • Author: Penny Smith
  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A vibrant, 30-minute Southwest-inspired rice bowl with smoky-seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings. Perfect for quick dinners or meal prepping, this recipe balances bold flavors with nourishing ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 red or green bell pepper, diced
1 avocado, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 small red onion, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste


Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if using a baking method, otherwise skip
In a bowl, mix chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add remaining 1 tablespoon oil
Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side, then transfer to oven if baking until fully cooked (alternatively, cook 6-8 minutes total on stovetop)
While chicken cooks, stir cooked rice with corn, black beans, bell pepper, and red onion in a pan over medium heat
In a separate small pan, sauté cherry tomatoes with chili powder until softened
Divide warm rice mixture into bowls, top with chicken, tomato mixture, avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice
Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like pickled jalapeños or vegan sour cream

Notes

Use pre-cooked rice for faster prep
Switch black beans for lentils or pinto beans if preferred
Add cooked quinoa or sweet potatoes for extra fiber
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days
Arrange toppings separately for a build-yourown-bowl bar

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop & Oven (optional)
  • Cuisine: Southwestern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg