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Chili Lime Chicken Bowls - Bright, Zesty, and Meal-Prep Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thinly sliced)
  • Limes: 3 limes (zest and juice)
  • Spices: Chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, kosher salt
  • Fresh garlic: 2–3 cloves, minced
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1–2 teaspoons (optional for balance)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: For marinade and cooking
  • Rice or grain: Cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa (about 4 cups cooked)
  • Black beans: 1 can, drained and rinsed (or pinto beans)
  • Corn: 1 cup (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • Bell peppers: 2, thinly sliced
  • Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Avocado: 1–2, sliced or cubed
  • Cilantro: Small bunch, chopped
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream: For topping
  • Optional add-ins: Jalapeño, queso fresco, shredded cabbage, romaine, pickled onions, hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons oil, zest of 1 lime, juice of 2 limes, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, minced garlic, and 1–2 teaspoons honey if using.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add sliced chicken to the bowl and coat well. Marinate at least 15–30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge). The lime keeps it tender, so you don’t need long.
  3. Cook your base: Prepare rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to package directions. Fluff and keep warm. Stir in a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
  4. Prep toppings: Slice peppers, red onion, and tomatoes. Rinse beans. If using frozen corn, thaw it; if canned, drain it.
  5. Sauté the veggies: Heat a large skillet over medium-high with a drizzle of oil. Add peppers, red onion, and corn with a pinch of salt and a dash of chili powder. Cook 4–6 minutes until slightly charred and tender-crisp. Remove to a plate.
  6. Cook the chicken: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Lay chicken in a single layer. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (165°F internal). Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if needed. Squeeze the remaining lime over the chicken at the end.
  7. Warm the beans: In a small saucepan or the microwave, warm the black beans with a pinch of salt, cumin, and a splash of water until steamy.
  8. Assemble the bowls: Add a scoop of rice or greens, spoon on black beans and sautéed veggies, top with chicken, and add tomatoes and avocado. Finish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, chopped cilantro, and extra lime wedges.
  9. Adjust to taste: Add hot sauce, jalapeño slices, queso fresco, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a final pop.