Chili Lime Chicken Avocado Bowls

These Chili Lime Chicken Avocado Bowls are the kind of meal that's easy enough for a busy weeknight but tastes like something you'd order at a trendy restaurant. They are quick, packed with flavor, and so easy to customize. 

The chicken is marinated in a bold chili-lime sauce that keeps it juicy and full of flavor, while the salsa adds the perfect cool, crunchy contrast. All you need to make these bowls are a few simple ingredients like chicken breasts, fresh lime juice, zest, spices, cucumbers, and avocado. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or just pile it onto a plate and dig in!

If you're as obsessed with bowls as I am, you have to try these Chicken Burrito Bowls and Chicken Fajita Bowls!

What You Need to Make Chili Lime Chicken Avocado Bowls

These chicken bowls are super simple to make! Here's a brief list of what you need:

• Cucumber avocado salsa: This is a basic salsa made with Persian cucumbers, avocado, cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, and cumin.
• Chicken breast or thighs: Chicken breast is lean, while chicken thighs stay juicier. Either works. Just depends on what you like!
• Lime juice and zest: The juice adds bright acidity, while the zest packs in an even more citrusy punch. Always zest first. It's way harder after you've juiced the lime!
• Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, herby kick, but if it's not your thing, just leave it out or swap it for chopped parsley for a different kind of freshness.
• Spices: Chili powder brings warmth and mild smokiness, while cumin deepens the flavor.
• Honey: Just a little sweetness balances out the acidity and spice. It also helps the chicken caramelize beautifully when cooking.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes, but if you have time, aim for 1-2 hours to really let the flavors sink in. You can even marinate overnight. Just don't go too far beyond that, or the acid from the lime juice can start to break down the chicken too much, making it mushy.

Can I make the salsa ahead of time?

The salsa is best fresh, but you can prep most of it in advance. Chop the cucumbers, onion, and cilantro ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Wait to add the avocado and lime juice until just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

How to Make Chicken Avocado Bowls

Follow these simple steps to create these delicious chicken burrito bowls. The ingredients in this recipe make the perfect bowl for lunch or dinner! 

1. Marinate the Chicken

Mix up a quick marinade with lime juice, zest, honey, and spices. Toss in the chicken and let it soak up all that flavor for at least a little while. Longer is better if you have the time.

2. Make the Salsa

Chop up the cucumbers, avocado, onion, and cilantro, then mix them together with a splash of lime juice and a few simple seasonings. Let it sit while you cook the chicken so the flavors meld together.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat up a pan or grill, then cook the chicken until it's golden brown and fully cooked. Give it a few minutes to rest before serving so it stays nice and juicy.

Pro Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. This helps the chicken get a good sear instead of steaming.

4. Assemble and Enjoy

Spoon the cooked chicken over rice, then pile on that fresh, creamy salsa. You can also add extras like shredded lettuce, black beans, or cheese if you're feeling fancy.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Chicken breasts are considered fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches at least 165ºF with a meat thermometer. Chicken thighs are done at 170ºF.

Can I adjust the heat in the salsa?

If you prefer a less spicy salsa, you can omit the jalapeno or use a poblano pepper instead. To ramp up the heat, you can keep the seeds and membrane and even add spices like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

What's the best way to keep the avocado from browning?

Avocado oxidizes quickly, which is why lime juice is key. It helps slow down the browning. If you're making the salsa ahead of time, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to keep air out. Another trick is to store it with the avocado pit in the bowl, which can help delay browning a bit longer.

It's Time to Serve!

Here are some easy and fun ways to serve up these Chili Lime Chicken Avocado Bowls:

• Rice: Pile on the chicken and salsa on a bed of Garlic Cilantro Brown Rice or Cauliflower Rice for a low carb option.
• Beans: I love adding a side of Shortcut Refried Beans or Black Beans to bump up the fiber.
• Corn: Add some drained and rinsed corn, or get fancy with some Blackened Corn!
• Salad: If you want to keep things light, you can serve the chicken and salsa over a bed of lettuce drizzled with some Jalapeno Ranch Dressing or Southwest Salad Dressing!
• Toppings: While you can keep things simple with the salsa, you can't go wrong by adding some hot sauce, sour cream, cotija cheese, chopped tomatoes, or extra cilantro.