If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Grilled Chicken Bowl with Creamy Avocado Sauce and Veggies Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant bowl bursts with fresh, colorful veggies, juicy grilled chicken, and a luscious avocado sauce that ties everything together beautifully. It’s balanced, nutritious, and packed with exciting flavors that will quickly turn this meal into a new favorite for your everyday menu or weekend dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here—just fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a satisfying bowl full of texture and color. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the smoky spices on the chicken, the creamy avocado sauce, or the crisp, garden-fresh veggies that add brightness and crunch.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and perfect for absorbing the flavorful marinade.
- Olive oil: For grilling and marinating, giving a subtle richness.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth to the chicken marinade.
- Paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and vibrant color.
- Ground cumin: A touch of earthiness that enhances the spice blend.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Chili powder (optional): For those who want a little kick of heat.
- Lime juice: Brightens everything with a fresh citrus zing.
- Ripe avocado: The star of the creamy sauce, adding buttery smoothness.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream: Gives the avocado sauce extra tang and creaminess.
- Minced garlic: Adds punch to the sauce with fragrant notes.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they bring a pop of freshness.
- Cucumber: Crisp and cooling, balancing the textures.
- Red onion: Thin slices add sharpness and color contrast.
- Bell pepper: Sweet and crunchy, a colorful veggie boost.
- Corn kernels: Adds natural sweetness and a nice bite.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: For a fragrant, herbal finish.
- Lime wedges: Perfect for squeezing extra brightness just before eating.
- Cooked quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice: Forms the hearty base of the bowl.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Bowl with Creamy Avocado Sauce and Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, chili powder if you’re using it, and fresh lime juice in a bowl to create your marinade. This combination gives the chicken a beautifully seasoned, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor. Place your chicken breasts in a resealable bag or container, pour the marinade over, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The longer it marinates, up to two hours, the more infused those flavors get — totally worth the wait.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill the chicken breasts for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they’re cooked through and juicy with perfect grill marks. Using a meat thermometer to hit an internal temperature of 165°F ensures safety and tenderness. Once grilled, let the chicken rest to lock in all those delicious juices before slicing.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Avocado Sauce
While the chicken rests, blend together ripe avocado, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add water a little at a time until you get the perfect drizzling consistency. This sauce is magic—it’s creamy yet fresh and elevates the whole bowl with its silky texture and tangy punch.
Step 4: Toss the Fresh Veggies
Grab a bowl and combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, bell pepper strips, and sweet corn kernels. Toss everything gently and season lightly with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice. These veggies add crunch and vibrant colors that make the bowl as eye-catching as it is tasty.
Step 5: Assemble Your Grilled Chicken Bowl with Creamy Avocado Sauce and Veggies Recipe
Lay down a generous bed of quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice to start. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top, then pile on the fresh veggies. Drizzle the creamy avocado sauce generously over everything and sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh herbal note. Add lime wedges on the side and your bowl is ready to serve!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Bowl with Creamy Avocado Sauce and Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro or parsley isn’t just a garnish—it brings a burst of brightness that complements the creamy sauce and smoky chicken perfectly. A wedge of lime on the side invites guests to customize the tanginess to their taste and really brings all the flavors alive.
Side Dishes
This bowl stands confidently on its own as a complete meal, but if you want to add a side, consider a light mixed green salad or a crisp cucumber salsa. Both options reinforce the freshness of the bowl without overshadowing its star ingredients.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this bowl in rustic ceramic dishes or clear glass bowls to showcase the vivid colors. For gatherings, you can lay out all the components buffet style so everyone assembles their own bowl with their favorite proportions—always a crowd-pleaser and great for personalization.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover grilled chicken, veggies, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the components separate helps preserve their textures and freshness, so your next meal tastes just as vibrant as the first.
Freezing
While the grilled chicken and cooked base freeze well, the fresh veggies and avocado sauce do not hold up to freezing. To freeze, store cooked chicken breasts and quinoa or rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat chicken and grains gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the meat. Add fresh veggies and creamy avocado sauce after warming to keep everything crisp and vibrant, just like the day it was made.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins in this bowl?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or even steak can be great substitutes depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to make sure your protein is cooked perfectly.
Is the creamy avocado sauce suitable for dairy-free diets?
If you want to keep it dairy-free, swap the Greek yogurt or sour cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt or vegan sour cream. The texture and taste remain delightfully creamy.
Can I prepare this bowl for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s a fantastic meal prep option because the components store well when kept separate. Assemble just before eating to keep the fresh crunch and creamy sauce intact.
What can I use instead of quinoa or rice?
Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb option, and cooked bulgur or couscous also work wonderfully. Choose your favorite grain or grain alternative to suit your taste.
How spicy is the dish with chili powder? Can I leave it out?
The chili powder adds a mild heat that enhances the smoky flavor but is completely optional. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a milder bowl—you won’t miss out on any of the deliciousness!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Grilled Chicken Bowl with Creamy Avocado Sauce and Veggies Recipe enough—it’s a simple way to enjoy fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together in a symphony of flavor and texture. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it will quickly become one of those go-to meals you turn to time and time again. Give it a whirl and watch everyone around your table fall in love with this colorful, nourishing bowl!
Print
Grilled Chicken Bowl with Creamy Avocado Sauce and Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Chicken Bowl with Creamy Avocado Sauce & Veggies is a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Juicy marinated grilled chicken is paired with a smooth avocado yogurt sauce and fresh mixed vegetables on a base of quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice. Loaded with protein, fresh produce, and zesty flavors, this bowl is both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for extra heat)
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream for a richer taste)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2–3 tbsp water (for desired consistency)
For the Veggies
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
For Serving
- 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice (your choice)
Instructions
- Marinate and Grill the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, chili powder (if using), and lime juice. Mix well to form the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust the Sauce Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
- Prepare the Veggies: In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and corn kernels. Toss to mix evenly.
- Season the Veggies: Lightly season the veggies with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Bowl Base: Start by adding a base of quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice to each bowl.
- Add Grilled Chicken: Arrange the grilled chicken slices on top of the base.
- Add Veggies and Sauce: Add a generous portion of the fresh veggies to the bowl, and drizzle with the creamy avocado sauce.
- Garnish the Bowl: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and extra lime wedges on the side.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm, or store in an airtight container for meal prep. This grilled chicken bowl is perfect for a balanced meal that’s both filling and refreshing.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor, but avoid over-marinating to prevent sogginess.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Use quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice based on your dietary preference.
- If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or broiler to cook the chicken.
- Adjust spiciness by omitting or adding chili powder to the marinade.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
