Southwest Chicken Bowl Recipe: Perfectly Spiced Meal!

The Southwest Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and hearty meal that combines tender, seasoned chicken with a mix of colourful veggies and grains. The chicken is usually spiced with Southwest seasonings and then paired with ingredients like black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado.

The dish often features a base of rice or quinoa and is topped with fresh cilantro and a zesty dressing.

To serve, dish up the Southwest Chicken Bowl in individual bowls. It’s great as a complete meal on its own, but you can also pair it with a side of tortilla chips or a light salad for added crunch and freshness.

This bowl is perfect for lunch or dinner and is a delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal with a kick of Southwest flavour.

This image showcases a vibrant Southwest Chicken Bowl filled with chipotle-seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, sautéed vegetables, and a zesty cilantro lime crema, beautifully garnished with avocado and tortilla strips, making it an enticing and nutritious meal.

Southwest Chicken Bowl Recipe

Southwest Chicken Bowls are packed with flavorful, wholesome ingredients, including chipotle-seasoned chicken, colorful sautéed veggies, fluffy rice, and a zesty cilantro lime crema. They're perfect for meal prep and offer a nutritious, delicious meal that's ready in no time!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 7
Calories 365 kcal

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 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp kosher salt, ¾ tsp coriander, ½ tsp oregano, pinch of cayenne and black pepper
  • 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

Instructions
 

  • 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).
    This image shows a large skillet with diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and poblano chili sautéing in olive oil over medium heat, creating a colorful and aromatic base for the Southwest Chicken Bowl.
  • Stir in rice to coat the grains. Add chicken broth, salsa, black beans, and seasonings. Mix well.
    This image shows minced garlic being added to the skillet along with fluffy basmati rice, stirring to coat the grains with the flavorful sautéed vegetables in preparation for the Southwest Chicken Bowl.
  • 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.
    This image shows the mixture of chicken broth, salsa, black beans, and seasonings bubbling gently in the skillet, covered to simmer for 25 minutes until the rice is perfectly cooked and infused with flavors.
  • Stir in cooked chicken, lime juice, cilantro, and corn. Top with cheese, cover, and let it melt (2-3 minutes).
    This image shows the addition of cooked diced chicken, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and yellow corn being stirred into the rice mixture in the skillet, creating a colorful and hearty Southwest Chicken Bowl.
  • Serve in bowls with optional garnishes like cilantro, lime, tortilla strips, sour cream, or avocado.
    This image shows a beautifully plated Southwest Chicken Bowl filled with the flavorful rice mixture, topped with melted Mexican cheese blend, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla strips, sour cream, and slices of avocado, ready to be enjoyed.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
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Nutrition Facts:

Nutrition Value
Calories365 kcal
Carbohydrates34g
Protein25g
Fat12g
Sodium788mg 
Cholesterol71mg
Iron1mg

Tips You May Find Helpful!

  • Marinate the Chicken for Extra Flavor
    For the most flavorful chicken, marinate it in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic, and chili powder for at least 30 minutes. This not only infuses the chicken with bold Southwest flavors but also helps tenderize the meat.
  • Use Fresh Vegetables
    Incorporate a variety of fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, black beans, and tomatoes. Roasting or grilling the vegetables before adding them to the bowl enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that complements the chicken.
  • Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully
    Arrange your bowl with a base of grains like quinoa, rice, or lettuce, then layer the chicken, vegetables, and toppings. This layering helps ensure each bite is well-balanced and allows you to enjoy a mix of flavors and textures in every mouthful.
  • Add a Flavorful Dressing or Sauce
    Top your Southwest Chicken Bowl with a zesty dressing or sauce to tie all the flavors together. A cilantro lime dressing, creamy avocado sauce, or a spicy chipotle dressing adds an extra layer of taste and brings the whole dish together.

What To Serve With Southwest Chicken Bowl Recipe?

What To Serve With Southwest Chicken Bowl Recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions for Southwest Chicken Bowl Recipe!

Can I Use A Different Type Of Protein?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other proteins like beef, pork, or tofu. If using beef or pork, make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the bowl. For a vegetarian option, tofu or beans like black beans or chickpeas are great alternatives. Adjust the seasoning to match the protein you choose.

How Do I Make The Southwest Chicken Bowl Spicier?

To make the Southwest Chicken Bowl spicier, you can add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the seasoning mix. For extra heat, you can also include sliced jalapeños or diced green chilies in the bowl. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level.

Can I Make The Chicken Bowl Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and other components of the bowl ahead of time. Cook the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also prepare the rice or quinoa and any additional toppings in advance. Assemble the bowls just before serving to keep everything fresh.

What Can I Use As A Topping For The Southwest Chicken Bowl?

There are many delicious toppings you can add to your Southwest Chicken Bowl. Consider adding shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, or a dollop of salsa. Fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice also make great additions. Customize your bowl with your favorite toppings for extra flavor and texture.

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Noah Baker

Hi! I’m Noah Baker

Noah Baker is a California-born food blogger behind "FreshmanCook," whose culinary journey began in his tiny apartment kitchen experimenting with recipes that blend innovative techniques and personal passion. After leaving his graphic design career, Noah transformed his love for cooking into a vibrant online platform that celebrates accessible, creative cuisine, capturing food lovers' attention with his stunning photography and approachable recipes. When he's not crafting mouthwatering dishes or styling food for his blog, Noah lives in a cozy apartment with his rescue dog, Basil.

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