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Healthy High Protein Garlic Lime Chicken Bowls - Bright, Balanced, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the chicken and marinade: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, trimmed)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the bowls: 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa (or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 avocado, sliced or cubed
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Quick yogurt-lime drizzle (optional but great): 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon water (to thin)
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Method
 

  1. Prep the marinade: In a bowl, whisk lime juice, zest, garlic, olive oil, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Pound chicken to even thickness. Add to the marinade, toss to coat, and chill 20–30 minutes. Longer is fine (up to 4 hours) but not required.
  3. Cook your base: Make brown rice or quinoa according to package directions. Fluff and keep warm. For a low-carb option, sauté cauliflower rice with a little oil and salt for 3–4 minutes.
  4. Prep the veggies: Chop cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion. Rinse black beans. Slice avocado just before serving.
  5. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Lightly oil the pan. Shake excess marinade off the chicken and cook 4–6 minutes per side, until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
  6. Make the yogurt drizzle: Stir together Greek yogurt, lime juice, water, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  7. Assemble the bowls: Add a scoop of grains to each bowl. Top with sliced chicken, black beans, and veggies. Add avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Finish with the yogurt-lime drizzle.