Description
Bring sizzling restaurant flavors home in one colorful, satisfying bowl. Seasoned chicken, sweet bell peppers, fluffy rice, and creamy cilantro sauce come together in perfect harmony. Ready in just 23 minutes with everything cooking in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 3 teaspoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch (or cornstarch)
- 3 bell peppers, any color
- 1/2 large red onion
- 2 cups cilantro lime rice
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chopped lettuce
- 1/2 cup pico de gallo
- 1/2 cup chipotle aioli (or sour cream)
Instructions
1. Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
2. Mix salt, garlic powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, chili powder, paprika, and tapioca starch in a bowl. Coat chicken completely with the seasoning mixture, pressing spices in so they stick well.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and slice.
4. In the same skillet, cook sliced peppers and onions for 7-8 minutes until golden brown and tender with charred edges. Don’t stir too much – let them sit and caramelize.
5. Add sliced chicken back to the skillet with vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Build bowls with cilantro lime rice and lettuce as the base. Top with chicken-pepper mixture, black beans, pico de gallo, and drizzle with chipotle aioli.
Notes
Pound chicken evenly or some parts will overcook while others stay raw.
Let vegetables sit and develop charred spots – don’t move them around too much.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over chicken right after slicing for restaurant-quality flavor.
Use a mix of colored peppers for the prettiest bowls.
Don’t skip the starch coating – it makes chicken perfectly crispy.
Store all components separately for best meal prep results.
Warm rice and chicken together before adding cold toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican