Baja Chicken Bowls
A vibrant and customizable dish featuring marinated chicken, rice, black beans, and fresh vegetables topped with a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast Use organic or free-range for better flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Additional for sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper To taste.
For the Bowl
- 1 cup rice Can use white or brown rice.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans Rinsed and drained.
- 1 cup corn Fresh, frozen, or canned.
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook your choice of rice according to package instructions and set aside to keep warm.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Coat the chicken breast thoroughly and let sit for at least 15-30 minutes.
Cooking
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked (internal temperature reaching 165°F). Let the chicken rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed and sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Add corn and black beans, heating through for 2 minutes.
Assembly
- Combine sour cream, mayonnaise or yogurt, and lime juice in a small bowl for the sauce.
- In each bowl, start with a bed of rice, top with the vegetable mixture, sliced chicken, avocado, and drizzle with the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
For additional flavor, serve with lime wedges, tortilla chips, or a side salad. Consider marinating the chicken overnight for enhanced flavor.