Description
This is the bowl that proves healthy eating does not have to taste like penance. Smoky chipotle-rubbed chicken over nutty quinoa with black beans, corn, avocado, and a lime crema that brings everything together. It is packed with protein, full of flavor, and the kind of meal prep hero that actually tastes good on day four.
Ingredients
Units
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the can
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed
- 3 cups water
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Mix the minced chipotles, adobo sauce, cumin, salt, garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon olive oil into a paste. Rub all over the chicken breasts and let sit 10 minutes.
- Cook the quinoa in 3 cups water according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Heat remaining olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken 6 to 7 minutes per side until charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
- Make the lime crema by whisking sour cream with lime juice and a pinch of salt.
- Divide quinoa among 4 bowls. Top with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, and diced avocado.
- Drizzle with lime crema, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes the natural saponin coating that can make it taste bitter and soapy.
- The chipotle rub works just as well on thighs if you prefer dark meat — adjust the cook time to 7 to 8 minutes per side.
- This bowl is ideal for meal prep. Store components separately and assemble cold or reheated — just add the avocado fresh each day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 740
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 42
- Cholesterol: 95