Description
These Baja Chicken Bowls are bursting with bold flavors and fresh ingredients like grilled marinated chicken, creamy cilantro sauce, black beans, avocado, and zesty lime rice. A colorful, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Baja Chicken:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
¼ cup lime juice (fresh)
¼ cup orange juice (fresh)
1 jalapeño, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp cooking oil (olive or preferred)
For the Creamy Cilantro Sauce:
¾ cup Greek yogurt (full or low fat)
½ cup salsa verde
½ cup fresh cilantro
2 tbsp lime juice
1 garlic clove
For the Bowls:
3 cups cooked cilantro lime rice (or plain)
1 cup black bean and corn salsa
1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
1 avocado, diced
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (or queso fresco)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
Combine chicken, lime juice, orange juice, jalapeño, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and half the oil in a zip-top bag or container. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes or up to 3 hours.Cook the Chicken:
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Heat remaining oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165˚F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.Blend the Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine all sauce ingredients and blend until smooth.Assemble the Bowls:
In each bowl, add 1 cup of cooked rice. Top with sliced chicken, black bean & corn salsa, tomatoes, avocado, and feta. Drizzle with creamy cilantro sauce. Serve with lime wedges if desired.
Notes
For a lower-carb version, swap rice for cauliflower rice or greens.
Chicken can be grilled instead of baked for extra smokiness.
Prep sauce and salsa in advance for quicker assembly on busy nights.
Feta adds a salty bite, but cotija or queso fresco work great too.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven+Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 495 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg