Go Back

Easy High Protein Chicken Taco Bowls - A Quick, Flavor-Packed Meal

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • Spices: Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper
  • Acid and oil: 2 limes, olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • Grains: 3 cups cooked brown rice or white rice (quinoa or cauliflower rice work too)
  • Beans: 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)
  • Veggies: 1 red bell pepper, 1 small red onion, 1–2 cups shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • Fresh add-ins: 1 avocado, fresh cilantro
  • Salsa: Jarred or homemade (choose your heat level)
  • Optional toppings: Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheese, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Cook the grains: Prepare rice or quinoa according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime at the end.
  2. Mix the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Drizzle with 1–2 tablespoons olive oil and coat evenly with the spice blend. Squeeze half a lime over the top.
  4. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add a drizzle of oil, then cook chicken 4–6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Rest 5 minutes, then slice or dice.
  5. Sauté peppers and onions: In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Cook sliced red onion and bell pepper with a pinch of salt for 3–5 minutes, until slightly tender but still crisp.
  6. Warm the beans and corn: Add black beans and corn to the skillet and toss just until warmed, 1–2 minutes. Squeeze in the remaining lime half.
  7. Prep fresh toppings: Chop cilantro, slice avocado, and set out salsa, shredded lettuce, Greek yogurt, cheese, and any extras you like.
  8. Assemble the bowls: Add a base of rice (about 3/4 cup per bowl). Top with chicken, pepper-onion mix, beans, and corn. Add lettuce, avocado, salsa, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Finish with cilantro and an extra lime wedge.
  9. Adjust to taste: Sprinkle with more salt, add hot sauce, or dust with a little extra smoked paprika if you want a bolder kick.