Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls (Printable Version)

Zesty chicken served over rice with corn, beans, avocado salsa, and drizzled chipotle sauce for fresh flavor.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken Marinade

01 - 570 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
03 - 1 tablespoon lime zest
04 - 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
05 - 30 ml extra virgin olive oil
06 - 15 ml honey
07 - 1 teaspoon paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Avocado Salsa

11 - 2 ripe avocados, cubed
12 - 80 ml fresh cilantro, finely chopped
13 - 40 g red onion, diced
14 - 30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
15 - 0.5 teaspoon salt

→ Bowl Assembly

16 - 450 g cooked cilantro lime rice
17 - 1 can (400 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
18 - 240 g corn kernels

→ Chipotle Sauce

19 - 120 g plain Greek yogurt
20 - 2 chipotle peppers in adobo
21 - 15–30 ml adobo sauce
22 - 15 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
23 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
24 - 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder

# Steps:

01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, olive oil, honey, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken thighs, ensuring even coating. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 6 hours.
02 - Prepare cilantro lime rice if not already cooked. Stir in fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor.
03 - Place Greek yogurt, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, salt, and garlic powder into a blender. Blend until smooth and set aside.
04 - Gently mix cubed avocados, cilantro, red onion, lime juice, and salt in a bowl until evenly combined.
05 - Preheat oven or air fryer to 200°C. Cook marinated chicken thighs in the oven for 20–25 minutes or air fryer for 14–18 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 74°C. Allow to rest for several minutes before slicing.
06 - To serve, layer bowls with cilantro lime rice, then top with black beans, corn, avocado salsa, and sliced chicken. Drizzle chipotle sauce over the top and garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Chicken breasts may be substituted, though thighs remain more tender and forgiving during cooking.
02 - Ensure chicken is fully thawed before marinating to maximize flavor absorption.