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Mexican-Style Grain Bowl with Lime Cilantro Dressing

Mexican-Style Grain Bowl with Lime Cilantro Dressing

Lunch
Prep Time
25min
Cook Time
45min
Servings
3
Calories
625
Chef's Note

For meal prep, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep everything fresh. You can also prepare the quinoa a day ahead and refrigerate it to save time. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with an additional cup of black beans or 8 oz of pan-fried tofu seasoned with the same spice blend.

Tags
Mexican
grain bowl
chicken
healthy
meal prep
high protein
vegetables
gluten-free
lunch
quinoa
Ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa

  • 2 cups vegetable broth

  • 1 pound boneless chicken breasts

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 large red bell pepper

  • 1 large yellow bell pepper

  • 1 medium red onion

  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans

  • 1 large avocado

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes

  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 clove garlic clove

  • 1/2 small jalapeño

  • 1/3 cup cotija cheese or feta

  • 3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds

Instructions
  • 1

    Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

  • 2

    While quinoa cooks, prepare the chicken. In a small bowl, mix together 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

  • 3

    Slice 1 pound of chicken breasts into even strips and toss with the spice mixture to coat evenly.

  • 4

    Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

  • 5

    In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 sliced red onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

  • 6

    Add 1 cup corn kernels to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

  • 7

    Drain and rinse 1 can of black beans. Add to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through, then remove from heat.

  • 8

    For the lime cilantro dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 seeded and chopped jalapeño, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Blend until smooth.

  • 9

    Dice 1 avocado and halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes.

  • 10

    To assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa among 3 bowls. Top each with equal portions of the vegetable mixture, chicken, black beans, diced avocado, and cherry tomatoes.

  • 11

    Drizzle each bowl with lime cilantro dressing, then sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/3 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese, and 3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds divided among the bowls.

Nutrition Information (per serving)
625
Calories
42g
Protein
58g
Carbs
28g
Fat

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