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Southwest Chicken Bowls

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A quick and easy meal prep recipe featuring smoky spiced chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy avocado drizzle, perfect for weight loss and clean eating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp chipotle powder or smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook 2 cups of brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions (about 20-25 minutes). Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the spice rub.
  3. Pat dry the chicken and rub the spice mixture evenly over it.
  4. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  5. Dice the red bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, rinse and drain black beans, and prepare corn. Toss together with lime juice and chopped cilantro in a medium bowl.
  6. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, chipotle powder or smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and smooth.
  7. Divide cooked rice or quinoa into bowls or meal prep containers. Layer with black bean and veggie mixture, sliced chicken, and avocado slices.
  8. Drizzle with southwest dressing and garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedge if desired.
  9. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add avocado and dressing fresh before serving. Reheat if desired for 1-2 minutes.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Add avocado fresh before serving to avoid browning. Adjust chili powder for preferred spice level. For dairy-free dressing, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or cashew sauce. Store dressing separately when meal prepping to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: southwest chicken bowls, meal prep, weight loss, healthy lunch, chicken recipe, easy dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/southwest-chicken-bowls-recipe-easy-meal-prep-ideas-for-weight-loss/