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Lemon Chili Grilled Chicken Bowls

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring zesty lemon and chili marinated grilled chicken served over rice or quinoa with fresh veggies and optional toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Juice and zest of 2 medium lemons
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice or tri-color quinoa
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Cucumber, diced
  • Red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced (optional)
  • Small handful fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Optional toppings: crumbled feta cheese, sliced jalapeños, Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together lemon juice and zest, chili powder, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
  2. Add chicken to the marinade, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours.
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat; brush with oil if using a grill pan.
  4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest for 5 minutes.
  5. While chicken marinates or cooks, prepare rice or quinoa according to package instructions and fluff with a fork.
  6. Chop fresh veggies: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and thinly slice red onion; toss with a pinch of salt and a splash of lemon juice.
  7. Slice rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  8. Assemble bowls with a base of rice or quinoa, topped with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, sliced avocado, fresh herbs, and optional toppings.

Notes

Marinate chicken for 20-60 minutes for best flavor and texture; avoid marinating longer than 4 hours to prevent mushy meat. Pat chicken dry before grilling for better sear. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after grilling to keep it juicy. Adjust chili powder to control heat. Use quinoa for gluten-free option and skip dairy toppings for dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chili grilled chicken, grilled chicken bowls, easy weeknight dinner, healthy chicken recipe, grilled chicken with rice, quick chicken bowls

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/lemon-chili-grilled-chicken-bowls-easy-weeknight-dinner-recipe/