Citrus Chicken Bowl
Ready for a meal that's fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor? 🌽🥑🍋✨
This week's recipe is the Grilled Corn Avocado Citrus Chicken Bowl. Juicy chicken is marinated in lime, garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin before being grilled to perfection and paired with sweet corn, creamy avocado, crunchy mini cucumbers, hearty black beans, fresh herbs, and nutrient-packed sprouts. Everything comes together with a bright, citrusy lime dressing with just the right amount of heat.
This bowl is a great example of how simple ingredients can create a balanced meal. The chicken and black beans provide plenty of protein, while avocado and olive oil contribute heart-healthy fats. Corn, black beans, vegetables, and sprouts add fiber and a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It's fresh, satisfying, and easy to customize based on whatever you have on hand!
Let’s dig in!
Total time: 45 Minutes | Prep Time: 15 Minutes |Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Chicken & marinade
1½ lbs (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
Juice of 2 limes + zest of 1 lime
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp minced garlic
1½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
Bowl components
3–4 ears corn (or ~2½ cups frozen corn kernels)
4–6 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
Sprouts (1–2 cups; alfalfa, broccoli, or mixed)
½ bunch fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
½ bunch fresh basil, torn or thinly sliced
Extra salt & pepper for finishing
Citrus dressing (reduced oil)
2 Tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1½–2 limes (about 3–4 Tbsp)
½–¾ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
Instructions
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together lime juice + zest, 2 Tbsp olive oil, 3 Tbsp minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (ideally 1–4 hours; up to overnight).
Prep the vegetables & beans:
If using fresh corn: Husk the ears.
Slice the mini cucumbers.
Dice the avocados just before serving (or toss with a little lime juice).
Drain and rinse the black beans.
Chop/tear the ½ bunch cilantro and ½ bunch basil.
Rinse the sprouts if needed.
Cook the corn:
Grill/BBQ method (preferred): Brush ears lightly with oil and grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until charred in spots (8–12 minutes). Cut kernels off the cob.
Stovetop alternative: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred (5–7 minutes). Season with a pinch of salt.
Cook the chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high (or use a broiler/oven at 425°F / 220°C). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill or cook 5–6 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C) and nicely marked. Rest 5 minutes, then slice or chop into bite-size pieces. (Chicken breast cooks a bit faster and can dry out more easily than thighs, so watch the temperature closely.)
Make the dressing: Whisk together the 2 Tbsp olive oil, lime juice, red pepper flakes, and salt until combined. Taste and adjust as needed.
Assemble the bowls: Divide the sliced chicken, charred corn, cucumber, avocado, black beans, and sprouts among four bowls. Sprinkle generously with cilantro and basil. Drizzle with the citrus dressing. Finish with an extra pinch of salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Nutrition Facts
630 kcal | 48 G protein | 45 g carb | 15 g fiber | 29 g fat
Tatum’s Recipe Hacks:
✨Make this recipe your own! Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu, or add your favorite grain like quinoa or brown rice for an extra boost of complex carbohydrates. You can also turn leftovers into a wrap or salad for an easy next-day lunch.
🌽 Corn is actually a whole grain! While we often think of corn as a vegetable, botanically it's a grain. Whole-kernel corn also provides fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are particularly important for eye health.
Let’s work together! Want individualized meal and snack ideas that align with your nutrition and wellness goals?
Contact me at tatum@equilibriumnutrition.net for more questions.
Schedule your consult below!
Cheers to thriving together!
