23/04/2026
Recipe Name:
Southwest Grilled Chicken Bowl with Guacamole
Recipe Summary:
A fresh, high-protein bowl featuring smoky blackened chicken breast, crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, and creamy guacamole over a bed of greens. Finished with chili flakes for heat. It’s balanced, colorful, and meal-prep friendly. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner when you want something filling but clean.
Servings:
2 large bowls or 4 smaller side bowls
*Total Time*: 30 minutes
- *Prep Time*: 15 minutes
- *Cook Time*: 15 minutes
Complete Recipe Detail #
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, ∼200g each
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne or chili powder, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar, optional for better sear
For the Guacamole:
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1 tbsp red onion, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder, optional
For the Bowl:
- 3 cups baby spinach or mixed greens, base
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup sweet corn, canned or frozen and thawed
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for dressing
- 1 tbsp lime juice, for dressing
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Red chili flakes, for garnish
Instructions:
*1. Marinate & Cook Chicken: 15 min*
1. Pat chicken breasts dry. If thick, pound to even 2cm thickness so they cook evenly.
2. Mix all chicken spices in a small bowl. Rub chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil, then coat generously with spice mix on both sides. Let sit 5 min while pan heats.
3. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken — it should sizzle.
4. Cook 6-7 min per side, undisturbed, until you get a dark char and internal temp is 74°C / 165°F. If it’s charring too fast, lower heat to medium.
5. Remove and rest on a board for 5 min before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
*2. Make Guacamole: 5 min*
1. In a small bowl, mash avocado with a fork to your preferred texture — chunky or smooth.
2. Stir in red onion, lime juice, cilantro, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust lime/salt. Cover with plastic wrap pressed on surface to prevent browning.
*3. Prep Veggies & Dressing: 5 min*
1. Halve cherry tomatoes, slice cucumber thinly.
2. Whisk 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp lime juice + pinch of salt & pepper for a quick dressing.
3. In two large bowls, lay down a bed of spinach/greens. Toss greens lightly with half the dressing.
*4. Assemble the Bowls: 5 min*
1. Arrange ingredients in sections over the greens: sliced grilled chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and corn.
2. Place a large scoop of guacamole in the center.
3. Drizzle remaining dressing over tomatoes and cucumber. Sprinkle everything with red chili flakes and a pinch of salt.
*5. Serve:*
Serve immediately while chicken is warm and veggies are crisp. Eat with a fork or mix it all up.
*Pro Tips & Notes*
- *Meal Prep*: Store components separately. Chicken lasts 4 days in fridge. Slice when ready to eat. Keep guac fresh by adding extra lime and pressing plastic wrap on top. Or swap guac for diced avocado.
- *Corn Upgrade*: Char corn in a dry pan 3-4 min for smoky flavor like in elote.
- *Add Carbs*: Add 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, brown rice, or black beans per bowl to make it more filling.
- *Dressing Swap*: Chipotle ranch, cilantro-lime vinaigrette, or salsa verde also work great.
- *No Chicken*: Use grilled shrimp, steak, tofu, or chickpeas. Same spice mix works.
- *Less Heat*: Skip cayenne and chili flakes. Add feta or cotija cheese for a salty kick instead.