Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts main protein; lean and cooks quickly when sliced or whole then sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil for chicken helps the spices stick and encourages browning on the chicken
2 teaspoons honey for chicken adds a touch of sweetness to balance the chili and lime
2 cloves garlic for chicken aromatic base flavor when minced and mixed into the marinade
2 teaspoons chili powder primary spice for warm, smoky heat
1 teaspoon cumin adds earthy depth to the chicken seasoning
Salt to taste, for chicken and vegetables essential seasoning throughout
Chili flakes to taste optional extra heat if you like it spicy
2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 orange), sliced roasted sweetness and color
1 poblano pepper, sliced mild heat and a smoky edge when roasted
1 onion, sliced caramelizes and adds savory sweetness
Olive oil for vegetables coat vegetables lightly before roasting
3–4 cups cooked rice base for the bowls; use white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice
1 cup cherry tomatoes fresh pop of acidity and color
1 avocado, sliced creamy richness when tossed with lime to prevent browning
Cilantro, chopped fresh herb for garnish and brightness
Green onions, sliced mild onion flavor and crunch as garnish
Yogurt or sour cream for serving cool, creamy topping to mellow spice
1/3 cup salsa verde tangy, herbal base for the vinaigrette
1/4 cup olive oil emulsifies and adds smooth mouthfeel
1 tablespoon honey sweetness to balance lime and salsa verde
1/4 cup lime juice bright acidity that defines the vinaigrette
Salt to taste to bring all flavors forward
cotija
feta
shredded cheddar
tortilla chips
Instructions
1-First Step: Prep and preheat Preheat your oven to 425°F. While the oven heats, rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and slice the bell peppers, poblano, and onion into even strips so they cook uniformly. Measure out spices and other ingredients for the vinaigrette so everything is within reach.
2-Second Step: Marinate the chicken On a baking sheet or in a mixing bowl, toss the 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons olive oil (for chicken), 2 teaspoons honey (for chicken), the 2 minced cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt to taste, and chili flakes to taste. Mix well so the spices coat the chicken evenly. Let the chicken sit 10 to 30 minutes if you have time; it can also marinate up to overnight covered in the fridge for deeper flavor.
3-Third Step: Toss the vegetables On the same or a separate baking sheet, spread the sliced 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 orange), 1 poblano pepper, and 1 sliced onion. Drizzle with olive oil (for vegetables) and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat. Spread vegetables in a single layer so they roast instead of steam.
4-Fourth Step: Roast chicken and vegetables Place the chicken and vegetables in the oven. Roast at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 165°F. The vegetables should be slightly charred and tender. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them to an even thickness or slice them into large pieces to ensure even cooking and reduce time.
5-Fifth Step: Make the Honey Lime Vinaigrette While everything roasts, whisk together the vinaigrette: 1/3 cup salsa verde, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 cup lime juice, and salt to taste. Taste and adjust – if it needs more brightness, add a splash more lime; if it needs more balance, add a little more honey.
6-Sixth Step: Rest and slice the chicken Once the chicken reaches 165°F, remove it from the oven and let it rest 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute so the meat stays moist. Slice the chicken thinly against the grain for the best texture.
7-Final Step: Assemble the bowls Divide 3 to 4 cups cooked rice among six bowls (about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup rice per bowl depending on appetite). Top each bowl with sliced roasted chicken (aim for about 4 to 6 ounces per serving), roasted peppers and onions, 1 cup cherry tomatoes divided, and sliced avocado tromped in lime and sea salt to prevent browning. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream on top. Drizzle each bowl with the honey lime vinaigrette to taste, and add optional cheese or tortilla chips if you like extra richness and crunch.
Notes
🍗 For extra flavor, double the onions and peppers or use chicken thighs instead of breasts
🌶️ Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili flakes and chili powder to taste
🥑 Toss avocado slices with lime juice immediately to prevent browning and enhance flavor
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 406
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
