Name: Baja Chicken Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice and Creamy Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast; 2 tablespoons lime juice (juice of about 2 limes); ¼ cup orange juice (juice of about 1 orange); 2 jalapeños, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons oregano; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 3 tablespoons cooking oil, divided; ½ cup Greek yogurt; ½ cup salsa verde; ½ cup cilantro (about ½ bunch); 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (juice of about 1 lime); 1 clove garlic; 4 cups cilantro lime rice (prepared); 1 cup black bean and corn salsa (prepared); 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved; 1 avocado, sliced; ¼ cup feta cheese

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Introduction

Baja Bowls are a fresh and flavorful meal featuring zesty marinated chicken, vibrant veggies, and a creamy cilantro sauce. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, these bowls combine bright citrus flavors with wholesome ingredients for a delicious, colorful dish.

Baja Chicken Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice and Creamy Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 tablespoons lime juice (juice of about 2 limes)
¼ cup orange juice (juice of about 1 orange)
2 jalapeños, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
½ cup Greek yogurt
½ cup salsa verde
½ cup cilantro (about ½ bunch)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (juice of about 1 lime)
1 clove garlic
4 cups cilantro lime rice (prepared)
1 cup black bean and corn salsa (prepared)
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, sliced
¼ cup feta cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350˚F.
Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or covered container. Add lime juice, orange juice, sliced jalapeños, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and half of the cooking oil. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, up to 3 hours.
Step 3: Heat the remaining oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to sear the first side.
Step 4: Flip the chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F. If your skillet isn’t oven-proof, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet or casserole dish before baking; cooking time may be slightly longer.
Step 6: Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Step 7: To make the creamy cilantro sauce, combine Greek yogurt, salsa verde, cilantro, fresh lime juice, and garlic in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
Step 8: Assemble the bowls by placing one cup of cilantro lime rice at the bottom. Top with sliced Baja chicken, black bean and corn salsa, grape tomatoes, and avocado slices.
Step 9: Drizzle the creamy cilantro sauce over the top, sprinkle with feta cheese, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne to the marinade.
Use brown rice or cauliflower rice as a substitute for cilantro lime rice for a different texture or a lower-carb option.
Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu to make a pescatarian or vegetarian version.
If you don’t have salsa verde, use your favorite green salsa or a blend of tomatillos and jalapeños.

Storage

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sliced chicken and sauce chilled. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling your bowl. Add fresh toppings like avocado right before serving to prevent browning.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavors, but avoid exceeding 24 hours as the acids in the marinade may begin to break down the meat too much.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the prepared ingredients like salsa and rice do not contain gluten additives. Always check labels to be sure.