Looking for a delicious and convenient meal that you can easily prepare ahead of time, store, and enjoy at your leisure? Look no further than these chili lime chicken rice bowls. Packed with mouthwatering flavors and a nutritious punch of 664 calories and 54 grams of protein per serving, this dish is the epitome of meal prep perfection. With simple ingredients like boneless chicken breast, fragrant jasmine rice cooked in savory stock, and a tangy lime yogurt sauce, these rice bowls are both satisfying and versatile. Plus, they’re easy to store and reheat, ensuring that you always have a delicious meal ready when you are. Join us as we dive into the step-by-step preparation of these scrumptious rice bowls that are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Preparing the Chicken
Start by preparing your protein — a main feature of this dish. Using one kilo (2.2 lbs) of boneless and skinless chicken breast, ensure all excess fat and cartilage are trimmed away. For even cooking, dice the chicken into uniform pieces after slicing them into strips. Consistency in size is crucial here, as it prevents smaller bits from overcooking while waiting for larger pieces to catch up.
Flavor Explosion with Garlic and Coriander
The next layer of flavor is introduced using four cloves of garlic. To get the best intensity of flavor, these should be grated into a paste using a microplane, although finely chopping them is also an option. The paste will blend more seamlessly into the marinade. As for the coriander (or cilantro), it is used in various phases of the recipe. Chopping it into fine pieces after scrunching it into a bunch enhances its aromatic profile without overwhelming any other ingredient.
Marinating the Chicken
Marinate your chicken in a mixture that brings together key spices: two teaspoons of onion powder, one and a half teaspoons each of smoked paprika and ground cumin, and a pinch of chili flakes. Add the garlic paste and coriander if desired. Lime zest and its juice should also be added, along with salt and cracked black pepper (around ten cranks’ worth should suffice). This marinade will make the chicken deeply flavorful and fragrant. Use clean hands or tongs to mix everything thoroughly.
Optional Ingredients for Added Creaminess
If you enjoy avocados, two and a half of them can be added for richness and creaminess. Simply slice each in half, remove the seed, and slice the flesh into thin strips for easy serving later.
Cook the Chicken
Time to bring some heat! Use a reliable pan, such as the titanium always pan Pro, for searing the chicken. Begin by melting a tablespoon of unsalted butter or olive oil over medium-high heat. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than searing. Aim to achieve a golden finish after about five to six minutes of cooking.
Rice with Depth
The rice in this dish is not merely a side but a flavor vehicle. Use the same pan from the chicken to take advantage of the fond — those caramelized bits left behind. Add 300 grams of rinsed jasmine rice and 550 milliliters of chicken or vegetable stock. A small pinch of salt enhances the natural richness of the stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the pan with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 12 minutes, ensuring that the rice absorbs all the flavors.
Tangy Lime Sauce
While your rice is cooking, whip up a tangy lime sauce that will offer a cooling counterpoint to the warm, savory elements of the dish. Combine half a cup of natural Greek yogurt with a teaspoon of honey for sweet balance. Add the remaining portion of coriander, a grated clove of garlic, and a squeeze of lime juice. Season with salt and white pepper. This sauce can be made ahead and stored in a squeezy bottle for neat drizzling during serving.
The Final Touch
Once your rice has completed its initial cook, leave it to steam with the lid on for an additional four minutes before fluffing it with a fork. Consider mixing in remaining coriander for added color and aroma.
Assembling the Bowls
To assemble, fill containers with a portion of rice on one side and chicken on the other. Divide avocado slices equally for those creamy bites and drizzle the tangy lime sauce just before serving. These meals can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for three months. For reheating, either a microwave or a pan will suffice. Just ensure everything is heated evenly.
Serving and Enjoying
Once reheated, add your fresh avocado and sauce. The chilled sauce adds a refreshing element when contrasted against the warm bowl contents, while the avocado lends a creamy texture.
In essence, these chili lime chicken rice bowls are more than a meal; they are a promise of a nutrient-packed, flavorful dish awaiting you any day of the week. Whether for lunch or dinner, this bowl will become a favorite in no time. Enjoy the blend of textures and flavors, and relish each bite as a testament to efficient and delicious meal preparation.
