Here’s the complete, mouthwatering recipe for your 🌶️ Spicy Chicken Power Bowl with Avocado Crema 🥑🔥 — a perfect high-protein, nutrient-packed meal bursting with flavor, color, and freshness!
🌶️ Spicy Chicken Power Bowl with Avocado Crema 🥑🔥
Introduction
This Spicy Chicken Power Bowl is a vibrant, balanced meal loaded with tender grilled chicken, wholesome grains, crisp veggies, and a creamy avocado-lime crema that ties it all together. It’s filling, healthy, and ready in 30 minutes or less!
Perfect for meal prep, post-workout recovery, or a satisfying lunch that fuels your day.
Ingredients
🍗 For the Spicy Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lime
🌾 For the Bowl Base (choose your grain):
- 1 cup cooked brown rice, quinoa, or jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or baby spinach (for freshness)
🥗 Toppings:
- ½ cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- ½ cup corn kernels (grilled or roasted preferred)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 small jalapeño (optional, sliced)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
🥑 For the Avocado Crema:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 small garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp water (to thin if needed)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, chili powder, cayenne, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
- Add chicken breasts and coat evenly.
- Let marinate for 10–15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken
Option A – Grill:
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Option B – Pan-Sear:
- Heat a non-stick skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until nicely browned and juicy.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
3. Make the Avocado Crema
- In a blender or food processor, add avocado, yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add a splash of water if needed to reach drizzling consistency.
4. Assemble the Power Bowl
- Start with a base of rice or quinoa in each bowl.
- Layer with black beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, lettuce (or spinach), and sliced chicken.
- Drizzle generously with avocado crema.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, and lime wedges.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately or store components separately for meal prep.
Pairs perfectly with:
- A side of tortilla chips
- Roasted sweet potatoes or bell peppers
- Extra hot sauce for spice lovers 🌶️
Chef’s Tips
- For smoky flavor, add a dash of chipotle powder to the marinade.
- Want it low-carb? Swap rice for cauliflower rice or zoodles.
- The avocado crema can also be used as a dip or sandwich spread.
Would you like me to write a vegetarian version next (with grilled tofu or chickpeas) using the same avocado crema?
