🥑 Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Herb Rice Bowl with Fresh Tomato Salsa
A delicious and colorful rice bowl made with juicy grilled chicken, fluffy herb-infused rice, creamy avocado, and fresh homemade tomato salsa. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 15–30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45–55 minutes
🍗 Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Herb Rice
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Fresh Tomato Salsa
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- ¼ small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped — optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese — optional
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them evenly with the marinade.
Let the chicken marinate for 15–30 minutes.
2. Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Transfer to a plate and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Prepare the Herb Rice
Place the cooked rice in a large bowl. Add chopped parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Gently toss until the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed.
4. Make the Fresh Tomato Salsa
Add diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper to a bowl.
Gently mix everything together. Let the salsa rest for 5–10 minutes so the flavors can blend.
5. Prepare the Avocado
Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and slice the flesh. Carefully scoop out the slices with a spoon.
For extra freshness, drizzle a little lime juice over the avocado.
6. Assemble the Rice Bowls
Divide the herb rice evenly between four serving bowls.
Arrange the sliced grilled chicken, avocado slices, and fresh tomato salsa neatly around the rice.
7. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley and optional crumbled feta cheese.
Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side.
💡 Tips
- Pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Allow the grilled chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- For a spicy bowl, add extra jalapeño or your favorite hot sauce.
- Prepare the chicken, rice, and salsa ahead of time, but add the avocado just before serving.
❓ 3 Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes! Brown rice works perfectly and gives the bowl extra fiber and a slightly nutty flavor.
Q2: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. The chicken, rice, and salsa can be prepared ahead. Add the avocado just before serving.
Q3: What can I add to make the bowl more filling?
A: Black beans, corn, roasted vegetables, feta cheese, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt are great additions.