Southwest Chicken Bowl Recipe
Looking for a tasty and filling meal? The Southwest Chicken Bowl is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. This dish combines flavorful ingredients that come together to create a delicious and satisfying bowl of goodness.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only easy to make, but it is also packed with nutrients. The combination of veggies, chicken, and beans provides a good balance of proteins and vitamins. Plus, it’s customizable! You can add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to your liking. Perfect for the whole family!
How to Make Southwest Chicken Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 small Yellow onion (diced)
- 1 Red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 Yellow bell pepper (diced)
- 1 Poblano chili (diced)
- 3-4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Basmati white rice
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Salsa
- 1 can (15 oz) Black beans, drained and rinsed
- Seasonings: 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 cups Cooked (diced chicken)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 cup Yellow corn
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend (shredded)
- Optional garnishes: cilantro, lime, tortilla strips, sour cream, avocado
Directions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell peppers, and poblano pepper until softened (4-5 minutes). Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Stir in rice to coat the grains. Add chicken broth, salsa, black beans, and seasonings. Mix well.
Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 25 minutes or until rice is cooked. Fluff with a fork.
Stir in cooked chicken, lime juice, cilantro, and corn. Top with cheese, cover, and let it melt (2-3 minutes).
Serve in bowls with optional garnishes like cilantro, lime, tortilla strips, sour cream, or avocado.
How to Serve Southwest Chicken Bowl
Serve the Southwest Chicken Bowl warm in individual bowls. Add optional garnishes such as fresh cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla strips, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
How to Store Southwest Chicken Bowl
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Tips to Make Southwest Chicken Bowl
- Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for even quicker prep.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the spice by adding more or less chili powder or swapping in spicier peppers if you like heat.
Variation
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding extra beans or tofu. For a lower-carb version, use cauliflower rice instead of basmati rice.
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and store them separately. Cooking the bowl just before serving will keep everything fresh.
2. Can I freeze the Southwest Chicken Bowl?
While the bowl can be frozen, it may alter the texture of the rice. If freezing, consider storing the chicken and sauce separately from the rice.
3. What can I use instead of black beans?
You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans if you prefer a different taste.
Enjoy making your Southwest Chicken Bowl for a tasty meal that the whole family will love!
