Name: Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless (skinless chicken breasts); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cucumber (sliced); 1 cup cooked rice (preferably brown or white); 1 ripe avocado (mashed); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon cilantro (chopped); 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking); Lime wedges for garnish (optional)

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Craving a meal that’s fresh, healthy, and bursting with flavor? This Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl is a Healthy Grain Bowl that combines tender grilled chicken, crisp broccoli and cucumber, and creamy guacamole-inspired rice. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this vibrant dish comes together in just 30 minutes. Enjoy a Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl for a satisfying, balanced meal that’s sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl

I adore this Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl because it’s a Healthy Grain Bowl that’s quick, nutritious, and packed with bold flavors. The smoky, spiced chicken pairs perfectly with the zesty guac rice, while the broccoli and cucumber add a refreshing crunch. This Healthy Grain Bowl is ideal for meal prep or serving at casual gatherings, offering a wholesome yet delicious option everyone will love!

Ingredients for Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl

Here’s what you’ll need for Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl (serves 2):

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil (for marinade)
1 tbsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp chili powder
1 cucumber, sliced
1 cup cooked rice (preferably brown or white)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 ripe avocado, mashed
1 tbsp lime juice
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Lime wedges for garnish (optional)

Equipment

Grill or grill pan
Small mixing bowl
Medium saucepan or steamer (for broccoli)
Large mixing bowl
Tongs or spatula
Airtight containers for storage

Ingredient Tips

Chicken: Use fresh chicken breasts for best flavor; pound to even thickness for uniform cooking.
Rice: Brown rice adds nutty flavor and fiber; white rice works for a lighter texture.
Avocado: Choose a ripe avocado for creamy guac rice; mash thoroughly for smooth mixing.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal, but frozen works if steamed properly.
Spices: Adjust chili powder for more or less heat to suit your taste.

Directions for Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl

Let’s make this Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl!

Prep the Marinade

In a small bowl, I mix 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a smoky marinade.

Marinate the Chicken

I coat 2 chicken breasts with the marinade, ensuring even coverage, and let them sit for at least 10 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Cook the Broccoli

I steam or blanch 2 cups broccoli florets for 4–5 minutes until tender but crisp, then set aside.

Make the Guac Rice

In a bowl, I combine 1 cup cooked rice with 1 mashed avocado, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro, mixing until creamy and well blended.

Grill the Chicken

I preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and brush with 1 tbsp olive oil.
I grill the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
I slice the chicken into strips.

Assemble the Bowls

I divide the guac rice, broccoli, and sliced cucumber between two bowls.
I top each with the grilled chicken strips, garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro, and serve the Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl immediately.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving (based on 2 servings)
Macros per Serving: 45g carbs, 30g protein, 20g fat, 8g fiber

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based Healthy Grain Bowl.
Grain Swap: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different Healthy Grain Bowl texture.
Spicy Boost: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra heat.
Creamy Topping: Drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt for added richness.
Extra Veggies: Include roasted bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for more color.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Parmesan Pesto Roasted Cauliflower for a veggie-packed meal.
Serve with Layla Cooks’ mango iced tea to complement the Healthy Grain Bowl.
Offer at a summer barbecue with a side of fresh salsa.

Storage

I store the Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl components (chicken, rice, veggies) separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. To reheat, I warm the chicken and rice in a microwave or stovetop over low heat, and I keep the cucumber fresh by adding it just before serving. I avoid freezing due to the avocado and cucumber, which may affect texture.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Arrange the Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl with vibrant layers of rice, veggies, and chicken, garnished with lime wedges.
Garnish: Sprinkle extra cilantro or sesame seeds for a pop of color.
Pairing: Enjoy with a light rosé or sparkling water to enhance the Healthy Grain Bowl.
Portion Size: One bowl per person for a complete meal.
Occasions: Perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or casual gatherings.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken?
I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 10 minutes, but if you have more time, letting it sit for up to 30 minutes will help the flavors soak in even more.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Just make sure to steam it according to the package instructions before using it in the bowl.

What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
I prefer using brown rice for a more nutty flavor and extra fiber, but white rice works just as well. You can also try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a variation.

Can I grill the chicken on a regular pan?
If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, you can use a regular skillet. Just heat it with a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it reaches the desired internal temperature.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace the chicken with grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl.

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Conclusion

This Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl with Broccoli, Cucumber & Guac Rice is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal that I love making when I want something healthy and quick. Whether for lunch or dinner, it’s a dish that brings together smoky, creamy, and crunchy elements in every bite. It’s a versatile recipe, too, so you can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to again and again.