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Fresh Summer Macro Bowl with Grilled Chicken Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

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A vibrant and satisfying summer bowl featuring juicy grilled chicken, fragrant cilantro lime rice, and fresh veggies. Perfect for a quick, nourishing meal with bold, fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime (for marinade and finishing)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine for extra fragrance)
  • 2 cups water (480 ml)
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or grilled
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • Mixed greens or baby spinach (about 2 cups)
  • Optional: crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, juice of 1 lime, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat thoroughly. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  2. Prepare the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until water runs clear. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rinsed rice and a pinch of salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for 10 more minutes.
  3. Fluff and Season Rice: Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in butter or olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt to taste.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Heat grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. Prepare the Veggies: Halve cherry tomatoes, slice avocado, thinly slice red onion if using, and char corn on grill pan if fresh.
  6. Assemble the Bowl: Place mixed greens or spinach as base. Add cilantro lime rice, arrange sliced grilled chicken on top, then scatter tomatoes, avocado, corn, and onions. Add optional queso fresco.
  7. Final Touch: Squeeze extra lime juice over the bowl before serving. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Rinse rice thoroughly to avoid mushy texture. Preheat grill pan well and oil it lightly to prevent sticking. Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours for best flavor. Rice cooker can be used to save time. Veggies can be prepped ahead for quick assembly.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer bowl, grilled chicken, cilantro lime rice, healthy meal, quick recipe, fresh veggies, macro bowl

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/fresh-summer-macro-bowl-with-grilled-chicken-easy-cilantro-lime-rice-recipe/