Some days, I come home craving something fresh and hearty, but I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s when this Mexican Chicken Quinoa Bowl steps in like a trusted friend. The moment the warm, spiced chicken hits the skillet, the air fills with a smoky, inviting aroma that makes me pause and smile. It’s a scent that promises comfort and a bit of adventure all at once.
Once everything comes together—the fluffy quinoa, the tender chicken, the burst of juicy cherry tomatoes, and the creamy avocado topping—it feels like a celebration in a bowl. The zesty lime dressing adds just the right kick, brightening every bite and waking up my senses. I love how the textures play against each other: soft quinoa, crisp red peppers, and the smooth avocado, all mingling with the robust, seasoned chicken. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down, savor, and appreciate the simple joy of good food.
- Bursting with vibrant, fresh ingredients that feel as good as they taste
- Balanced blend of protein, grains, and veggies for a filling meal
- The zesty lime dressing brings a refreshing twist that lifts the whole dish
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep
- Comforting spices that warm you up without overpowering
If you’re a little hesitant about cooking with quinoa or layering flavors, this bowl is forgiving and flexible. The ingredients come together naturally, making it easy to adjust to your own taste or pantry staples.
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Mexican Chicken Quinoa Bowl
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A flavorful and healthy Mexican Chicken Quinoa Bowl packed with seasoned chicken, quinoa, black beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 avocado, diced
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons sour cream
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed.
Remove quinoa from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
While quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
In a small bowl, mix cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add chicken pieces to the skillet and sprinkle the spice mixture over them. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned.
Add black beans and corn to the skillet with the chicken. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chicken mixture, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and sour cream until smooth.
Drizzle the lime sour cream dressing over the quinoa bowl mixture and toss gently to combine.
Divide the quinoa mixture evenly among four bowls.
Top each bowl with diced avocado and shredded cheddar cheese.
Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the quinoa and chicken in advance and assemble when ready. Just keep avocado separate until serving to prevent browning.
Is this recipe spicy? It has a gentle warmth from the chili powder and cumin, but nothing too intense—perfect if you’re sensitive to spice.
What can I substitute for sour cream? Greek yogurt works beautifully if you want a lighter or tangier dressing.
Can this be made vegetarian? Absolutely. Swap the chicken for roasted veggies or extra beans for a satisfying meatless version.
Ready to turn these flavors into your new go-to bowl? Scroll up, hit save, and let’s get cooking.