The grilled Southwest chicken and rice bowl is a vibrant, colorful dish that brings together bold spices, hearty ingredients, and fresh toppings in one satisfying bowl. It’s a staple for anyone who loves a mix of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors with the option to customize every bite.
The heart of the bowl is the grilled chicken, coated in a smoky Southwest spice blend that usually includes chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of cayenne. Marinated in lime juice and olive oil, the chicken becomes juicy and full of flavor, with a lightly charred exterior from the grill. This seasoning mix gives it a little kick, but nothing overwhelming, making it perfect for everyday meals.
Beneath the chicken, a bed of rice serves as the base. Cilantro-lime rice is a popular choice, adding freshness and zing, but even plain or lightly seasoned rice works well. Black beans and grilled corn are layered in for heartiness and natural sweetness. Toss in diced tomatoes or a spoonful of pico de gallo for brightness and acidity.
What sets the Southwest chicken bowl apart is the variety of textures and colors. Creamy avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole bring richness, while shredded cheese adds a melty, savory note. For a little crunch, chopped romaine or tortilla strips work beautifully. A drizzle of chipotle crema, lime sour cream, or even a splash of hot sauce ties everything together.
This bowl is endlessly adaptable. You can make it vegetarian by swapping in grilled tofu or roasted vegetables. Or make it low-carb with cauliflower rice. It’s also a great option for meal prepping because all the components store well and taste great reheated or cold.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a filling lunch, or a meal that pleases picky eaters and spice lovers alike, the grilled Southwest chicken and rice bowl delivers. It’s colorful, nourishing, and packed with bold, crowd-pleasing flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup brown rice cooked
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn thawed, frozen
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup avocado sliced
- sour cream for serving
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Toss to combine.
- Slice the grilled chicken into strips and serve over the rice mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and avocado slices.
- Serve with sour cream and lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition
I don’t eat chicken, so I made it with tofu instead. Still delicious!
Grilled chicken? I thought it was supposed to be baked! No wonder it wasn’t juicy.
Grilled is the best way to make it! Baked can dry it out. You should try it again.
I don’t think grilled chicken is the problem here. Maybe your cooking time was off?
Is this really healthy? I feel like it’s too much cheese and sour cream 🤔
I get what you’re saying! Too much cheese can be heavy. You could definitely cut back on it or swap it for something lighter. But it still sounds tasty! 😋
Why is it called southwest? There’s nothing southwestern about it. Just grilled chicken.
OMG, best dinner ever!! I could eat this every day!
I totally agree! This bowl is like a party in my mouth! 🎉
I dunno, sounds kinda basic to me. How about some spices?
Could use more veggies, I think? Just a suggestion for healthier version.
The chicken was dry even tho I followed recipe. Disapointing.
I found this plain. Needs more spice for my taste. Maybe add jalapenos?
It was alright, but I think it needs more flavor. Maybe add some hot sauce?
I dunno, it felt kinda bland to me. Maybe I missed something? Just didn’t hit the spot.
I forgot the lime! Still tasted good, though. I’ll remember next time for sure.
This was so good! Chicken was perfect and my kids loved it!
Really? I tried it and it was a bit too spicy for me, maybe I did something wrong? 🤔
I’m glad to hear that! It’s always a win when the kids love it too! 🌟
Flavor explosion! 🥳
Yummy! Chicken, beans, rice – it’s like a fiesta in a bowl! 🌮❤️
Yum! I love chicken and rice bowls. This is the best one I’ve tried. #Delicious
It was okay, but a bit bland for my taste. I had to add a lot more spices.
I totally get what you mean! I found it needed more flavor too. I added some hot sauce and it was way better!
Easy to make but I forgot to put the lime on it. Still tasted good tho! LOL
Really enjoyed this recipe! The flavors blended beautifully. Will make again for sure!
Tastes good but had no cilantro so subbed with parsley, not the same. 🤷♂️
My kids loved it! Super easy to make and they ate it all. Win-win!
This sounds amazing! I’m so glad your kids enjoyed it. It’s always a win when you can get them to eat healthy. I’ll definitely be trying this recipe!
Can I use quino instead of brown rice? Trying to eat healthier but looks yummy!
Quinoa? Isn’t that just a fancy way of saying rice? Just stick to brown rice, it’s easier.
Yes, you can totally use quinoa instead of brown rice! It’ll add a nice texture and is super healthy. Enjoy your cooking!
Yummmm! So satisfying! I added some jalapeños for an extra kick. Will definitely make again.
Sounds delicious! Love the idea of adding jalapeños. It must be spicy and flavor-packed! 🔥
Really easy to make, but I forgot the avocado. Still came out nice.
Not sure if I did it right, but my rice was mushy. I’ll try again. 🤔
Mushy rice can happen! Maybe try using less water next time? Good luck! 😊
I think you might have cooked it too long. Rice needs a bit of attention! Lol.
I’m not a fan of cilantro. Do you have any other suggestions for that part?
Honestly, this sounds like a meal from a restaurant, WHO KNEW I could make it!
Chicken n rice… classic. Who doesn’t like it? Kids can eat it! 😄
This was fantastic! I loved the spice mix on the chicken. Will make again!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! The spice mix really does make it special. What did you serve it with?
This was amazing! The flavors were perfect and it was super easy to make. Definitely a keeper!
This was amazing! The chicken was so tender and full of flavor. My family loved it!
Yum!! 🍗 This was fantastic! I added extra cheese because more cheese = happier me.
My chicken turned out dry. Maybe I overcooked it? I need to practice my grilling skills.
Dry chicken is the worst! I’ve totally been there. Maybe try using a meat thermometer next time? It helps a lot to avoid overcooking.
Just add more sauce or some spices! I always pack it with flavor to keep it moist. Don’t give up!
Not sure if this recipe is authentic. I’m from the southwest and we don’t usually serve rice like this.
I thought this would be too complicated, but it was pretty simple! I made it on a weekday.
I’m glad it turned out easier than you expected! This recipe is a weeknight lifesaver for sure.
Good recipe but a bit bland. I added some hot sauce and it was much better.
I agree! A lil more seasoning goes a long way. Hot sauce is a game changer!
Why you gotta grill the chicken? I just boiled mine and it was fine, just sayin’.
Boiling chicken is fine, but you miss out on all that grilled flavor! 🤷♂️