Chipotle is known for the ginormous rice bowls that are packed with deliciousness. The bad part is that even though they use the freshest ingredients, they are packed with calories once you add the sour cream, cheese and rice. Part of eating healthy is to eat foods that taste great and we’ve found the perfect recipe that won’t leave you hungry or visiting Chipotle any time soon!
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California Chicken Veggie, Avocado and Rice Bowl
Recipe from Half Baked Harvest
This rice bowl is covered with delicious ingredients that are even great for a bbq. It will give you the same satisfaction you get from eating at Chipotle, but much healthier because you’re taking control over the ingredients. Check in out!
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or tenders, cubed if using skewers, leave whole if not
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (may sub 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (may sub 1 tablespoon dried)
The Rice + Veggies + Avocado
- 1 1/2 cups jasmine or basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- 2 red pepper, cut into fourths
- 1 zucchini, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt + pepper
- 2 avocados, mashed very well
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- salt + pepper, to taste
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
*At least 30 minutes before grilling, soak your skewers (if they are bamboo) in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from charring.
In a large bowl combine the olive oil, garlic, onion powder, pepper, cayenne, smoked paprika, parsley and basil. Add the chicken and toss well. Cover and place in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the meal.
Make the rice. Add the water to a medium size pot. Bring to a low boil and then add the rice. Stir to combine and then place the lid on the pot and turn the heat down to the lowest setting possible. Allow the rice to cook ten minutes on low and then turn the heat off completely and let the rice sit on the stove, covered for another 20 minutes (don’t take any peeks inside!). After 20 minutes remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Note that rice can cook differently for everyone, this is just what works for me.
Pre-heat the grill to medium high heat. Add the red pepper and zucchini to a gallon size ziplock bag. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Seal the bag and shake well so the veggies are coated with olive oil.
Remove the chicken from the fridge and if using skewers, skewer the chicken (or if you do not have skewers you can leave the chicken whole and cut after grilling).
Remove everything from the grill and let cool 5 minutes. Once cool slice the red peppers into strips and if you have whole chicken breast cut those into cubes.
Add the mashed avocados to a bowl. Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, garlic and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
To assemble the bowls, divide the rice among 4 bowls or plates. Top each bowl of rice with equal amounts of chicken, grilled peppers and zucchini. Add a large dollop of the avocados and then add the fresh tomatoes and walnuts. Sprinkle with blue cheese if desired. Serve warm.