Chipotle Lime Chicken with Cilantro Rice and Zesty Toppings

Craving a burst of flavor and a healthy lunch or dinner option? Look no further than these Fiesta Bowls featuring Chipotle Lime Chicken, fluffy Cilantro Rice, and a fiesta of your favorite toppings! This recipe is not only delicious but also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a perfect fit for various dietary needs. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love These Fiesta Bowls:

• Flavor Explosion: The chipotle lime marinade infuses the chicken with smoky, citrusy goodness, creating a flavor fiesta in every bite.
• Customizable Canvas: Get creative with your toppings! From fresh salsa and avocado slices to crumbled cheese and black beans, the possibilities are endless.
• Healthy & Satisfying: This recipe is packed with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, keeping you feeling full and energized.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare the chicken, rice, and some toppings in advance for quick and easy lunches throughout the week.
• Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: This recipe caters to various dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy the fiesta!

Building Your Flavorful Fiesta:

• Chipotle Lime Chicken: The star of the show! The marinade uses chipotle peppers for a smoky depth and lime juice for a refreshing tang.
• Cilantro Rice: Fluffy rice infused with fresh cilantro adds a vibrant touch to the base of the bowl.
• Zesty Toppings: Elevate your bowl with a variety of toppings like salsa, avocado, black beans, corn, chopped red onion, crumbled queso fresco, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Ready to Fiesta? Here’s what you’ll need (quantities may vary depending on your preference):

Ingredients:

• For the Chipotle Lime Chicken:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Olive oil
  • Lime juice
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (either canned or chopped fresh)
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• For the Cilantro Rice:

  • Long-grain white rice (or brown rice for added fiber)
  • Chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt

• For the Zesty Toppings (choose your favorites):

  • Fresh salsa (pico de gallo, corn salsa, etc.)
  • Chopped avocado
  • Black beans, rinsed and drained
  • Corn, fresh or frozen
  • Chopped red onion
  • Crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese (optional)
  • Dollop of Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle peppers (depending on your spice preference, start with less and add more to taste), chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.

2. Cook the Cilantro Rice: In a saucepan, combine rice, broth, cilantro, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and fluffy.

3. Grill or Pan-Sear the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Alternatively, cook the chicken in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Assemble Your Fiesta Bowls: Divide the cooked Cilantro Rice among bowls. Top with slices of Chipotle Lime Chicken. Get creative with your toppings – salsa, avocado, black beans, corn, red onion, cheese, Greek yogurt, or a combination of your favorites! Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs.

Tips:

• Leftover chicken and rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of chipotle peppers in the marinade to your desired level of spiciness.
• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a time-saving option.
• Experiment with different protein options like shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian twist.