Dive into a world of flavor with this incredible Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe, featuring perfectly cooked, juicy chicken thighs, a luscious, creamy avocado sauce, and an array of your favorite vibrant toppings. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience – vibrant, satisfying, and bursting with fresh flavors that will make it a regular in your kitchen!

Author’s Note

The Blackened Chicken I Can’t Stop Making!

This Blackened Chicken recipe holds a special place in my heart. Its origin story traces back to my love for Sweetgreen’s blackened chicken – I was determined to recreate that incredible flavor at home. What I ended up with, however, surpasses the original! It’s so good, I genuinely believe this homemade version is even better.

I find myself making this chicken at least once a week, whether it’s for streamlined meal prep or to elevate a quick weeknight dinner. The versatility is unmatched.

These rice bowls are currently my absolute favorite way to enjoy it. Imagine piling those incredibly juicy, deeply flavorful chicken thighs onto a base of your choice – I highly recommend classic white rice, aromatic cilantro lime rice, or nutrient-rich quinoa. Then, unleash your creativity with all your favorite toppings! It’s truly a customizable feast.

Discover the Best Chicken Rice Bowl: Your New Favorite Dinner

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both exciting and effortless, look no further than this Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe. It perfectly blends succulent, seasoned chicken with a refreshing, creamy avocado sauce and a medley of fresh toppings, creating a balanced and utterly delicious meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or healthy meal prep, these bowls offer a customizable feast that caters to every palate.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

• Unforgettable Flavor: The blackened chicken boasts a rich, savory, and slightly smoky profile, perfectly complemented by the tangy, creamy avocado sauce.
• Simple & Quick: With clear, straightforward steps, this recipe is designed for ease, making it perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, these bowls are a nutritious choice for any meal.
• Customization King: From the base grain to the endless array of toppings, you can tailor each bowl to your exact preferences, ensuring everyone at the table is happy.
• Meal Prep Dream: Components can be prepared ahead of time, making assembly a breeze for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Blackened Chicken Thighs

The heart of our Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfectly seasoned, “blackened” chicken. Using chicken thighs is crucial for achieving that signature juicy texture and robust flavor.

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are essential here. Dark meat remains incredibly juicy and tender, even with high-heat cooking, preventing the dry texture often associated with chicken breasts. Patting them thoroughly dry is key for the seasonings to adhere properly and to achieve that beautiful “blackened” crust. *Note: If you prefer chicken breast, this baking method won’t yield the same results; consider using a dedicated baked chicken breast recipe instead.*
• Flavorful Seasonings: Our blend includes a simple yet powerful combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This aromatic mix creates a depth of flavor that’s both warm and inviting, truly transforming the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Opt for extra-virgin olive oil if possible. Its rich, fruity notes add another layer of flavor and help the seasonings adhere to the chicken while promoting a beautiful sear.
• Balsamic Vinegar: This is my secret weapon for truly exceptional blackened chicken! While you won’t distinctly taste “balsamic” in the final dish, it provides a subtle yet crucial acidity and a deep, complex sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking, enhancing the chicken’s overall flavor profile. It’s the ingredient that ties everything together.

Crafting the Creamy Avocado Sauce: A Perfect Pairing

This creamy avocado sauce is the perfect complement to the robust blackened chicken, offering a refreshing and tangy contrast. It’s my absolute favorite for these Chicken Rice Bowls, though a zesty Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe is another fantastic alternative.

• Ripe Avocado: The star of the show! A perfectly ripe avocado ensures a silky-smooth, creamy texture and rich, buttery flavor. Make sure to pack it tightly into a 1/3 measuring cup for the right consistency.
• Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: These provide a bright, citrusy kick and a subtle sweetness that cuts through the richness of the avocado, elevating the sauce with a vibrant aroma.
• White Vinegar: Adds essential acidity, balancing the flavors and preventing the sauce from tasting too heavy. It brightens every component.
• Jalapeño: For a touch of heat! Adjust to your preference – remove the seeds for a milder flavor, or omit it entirely if you prefer no spice. It adds a lovely subtle warmth.
• Fresh Cilantro: Infuses the sauce with a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with both the avocado and chicken. Use generously!
• Mayonnaise: Contributes to the sauce’s luxurious, smooth, and creamy texture. Full-fat mayo is recommended for the best results and richness.
• Honey: A touch of honey provides a balanced sweetness, harmonizing with the tangy and spicy elements of the sauce.

Customizing Your Chicken Rice Bowl: Toppings Galore!

The beauty of these chicken rice bowls lies in their endless customization. Beyond the chicken and sauce, your choice of base and toppings can transform the meal every time:

• Bowl Bases: While white rice, cilantro lime rice, or quinoa are fantastic choices, don’t hesitate to explore other grains like brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Sweet Additions: Diced fresh pineapple or mango brings a wonderful tropical sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken.
• Tangy Kicks: Quick pickled red onions add a bright, zesty crunch that cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Hearty Fillers: A can of black beans adds substance, fiber, and a lovely earthy flavor to the bowl.
• Freshness Boost: Extra cilantro, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, corn, or thinly sliced radishes can add vibrant color and fresh textures.
• Crunchy Elements: Toasted pepitas, crushed tortilla chips, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can provide a satisfying crunch.

Pick a couple or try them all – your imagination is the limit!

How To Make This Flavorful Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these vibrant chicken rice bowls is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps for a delicious meal:

1. Prepare the Avocado Sauce: Begin by combining all your sauce ingredients in a small blender or food processor. Blend thoroughly until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble your bowls. Making the sauce ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
2. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to a high 425°F (218°C). Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, ensuring enough space for the chicken thighs to cook evenly without crowding.
3. Mix Chicken Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Season this blend generously with salt and pepper to create a potent flavor paste.
4. Season Chicken Thighs: Pat your chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a great sear and for the seasonings to adhere well. Rub or brush the seasoning mixture evenly over each piece of chicken, ensuring full coverage.
5. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer on your prepared sheet pan, leaving a little space between each piece. Bake for 15 minutes. This initial bake cooks the chicken through.
6. Broil for Perfection: After baking, move your oven rack closer to the heat source (about 6-8 inches). Switch the oven setting to broil and cook the chicken for an additional 7-10 minutes. Watch it closely! The goal is for the chicken to become nicely browned, caramelized, and slightly “blackened” on the edges. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes under foil, then slice or chop into desired pieces.
7. Assemble & Serve: Divide your cooked rice (or chosen base) among serving bowls. Top generously with the sliced or chopped chicken, then add your preferred toppings such as black beans, mango, extra avocado, and fresh cilantro. Finish with a generous drizzle of the creamy avocado sauce, and enjoy your delicious, homemade Chicken Rice Bowl!

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Rice Bowls

• Don’t Skip Patting Dry: For truly “blackened” chicken, ensure your chicken thighs are as dry as possible before seasoning. Moisture creates steam, which prevents browning.
• Monitor Broiling Closely: Broilers can be intense and vary widely. Keep a watchful eye on your chicken during the broiling step to prevent burning while achieving that perfect caramelized crust.
• Rest Your Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
• Batch Cook for Meal Prep: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Double the chicken and sauce recipe to have delicious, healthy meals ready for the entire week.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your avocado sauce and chicken seasoning before combining. Adjust salt, pepper, or heat (for the sauce) to match your personal preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While you can, chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily with this baking method. For best results with chicken breasts, I recommend using a different preparation, like this baked chicken breast recipe, and then adding it to the bowls.

How spicy is the avocado sauce?

The sauce has a mild kick from the jalapeño. If you prefer it milder, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeño, or omit it entirely. For extra heat, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Cook the chicken and make the sauce, then store them separately along with your rice and toppings. Assemble your bowls right before serving for the freshest taste.

How long do the leftovers last?

When stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator, the chicken, sauce, and toppings will last for 3-4 days.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Chicken Rice Bowl recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming all your ingredients (especially spices and sauces) are certified gluten-free. Just ensure your chosen rice or grain base is also gluten-free.

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5 from 3 votes

Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

By
Chelsea Lords

This Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe offers the perfect combination of tender baked chicken thighs crowned with a creamy, zesty avocado sauce. Customize with your preferred toppings for a truly satisfying and flavorful meal!

Prep Time:
30 minutes minutes

Cook Time:
23 minutes minutes

Total Time:
53 minutes minutes

Servings:

4
servings

Equipment

• Blender or food processor

Ingredients

Sauce

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 ripe avocado 1/3 cup mashed
• 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped jalapeño optional
• 1 cup cilantro loosely packed (leaves and tender stems)
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 2 teaspoons honey
• Salt and pepper

Chicken

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs about 3 thighs, see note 1
• 4 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1-1/4 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Bowl bases and additions see note 2

Instructions

• Mash avocado to get 1/3 cup avocado flesh. Zest the orange with a zester to get 1 teaspoon zest. Juice using a citrus juicer to get 1/4 cup juice.
• Blend all the sauce ingredients in a small blender or food processor. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste. Blend until smooth, then cover and refrigerate.
• Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large sheet pan with foil.
• Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
• In a small bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper. Whisk to combine. Rub or use a pastry brush to evenly coat each thigh with seasoning mix.
• Lay chicken thighs flat on the prepared sheet pan, spaced out, and bake for 15 minutes.
• Move the oven rack to 8 inches from the heat source, switch to broil, and broil chicken for 7–10 minutes until nicely blackened and caramelized. See note 3. Let rest for 5–10 minutes under foil, then slice or chop.
• As desired, divide cooked rice among bowls, top with chicken, black beans, mango, avocado, cilantro, or other toppings. Add a generous scoop of sauce, then enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Chicken breasts won’t work with this high-heat baking method as they can dry out easily. If using breasts, we recommend trying this baked chicken breast recipe instead.

Note 2: For delicious bowl bases and additions, consider cooked white rice, ripe diced pineapple or mango, quick pickled red onions, 1 can black beans, additional cilantro, or additional avocado. Pick a couple or try them all!

Note 3: The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 160°F (71°C); carryover heat will take it to 165°F (74°C). In my oven, 8 minutes works perfectly for 5.5-ounce thighs to achieve this.

Storage: Store the chicken, sauce, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. I prefer using a mason jar for the sauce. Rewarm and assemble the bowls just before eating for the best quality.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving |
Calories: 481kcal |
Carbohydrates: 8.2g |
Protein: 23.3g |
Fat: 40.3g |
Cholesterol: 112.2mg |
Sodium: 220mg |
Fiber: 1.9g |
Sugar: 5g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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