Flavorful Low Carb Burrito Bowl with Zesty Lime Chicken (Print Version)

Flavorful Low Carb Burrito Bowl is a vibrant, satisfying meal packed with zest and fresh ingredients. Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner or meal prep.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Dietary: Low Carb, Gluten-Free Option

# Ingredients:

→ Zesty Chicken Base

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 1 lime, juiced and zested (divided)
03 - 1 tsp ground cumin
04 - 1 tsp chili powder
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - Salt and black pepper to taste
08 - 2 tbsp avocado oil, divided

→ Fresh Veggie Mix

09 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
10 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
11 - 1/2 red onion, diced
12 - 1 (15oz) can black soybeans, rinsed and drained
13 - 4 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)

→ Creamy Toppings & Flavor

14 - 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
15 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Spicy Kicks (Optional)

16 - Hot sauce, for serving
17 - Sliced jalapeños

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that chicken marinating! Pat your boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry—this is super important for a good sear, trust me. In a bowl, toss the chicken with half the lime juice, lime zest, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, a good pinch of salt, and a generous crack of black pepper. Mix it all up with your hands; I love how the spices smell as they coat the chicken. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes while you prep everything else. Honestly, even a quick 5-minute marinade helps, but longer is better!
02 - While the chicken is doing its thing, heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of avocado oil. Toss in your diced bell peppers and onion. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, until they're tender-crisp and starting to get those lovely char marks. I always forget to season them at this stage, so don't be like me – add a little salt and pepper here! The smell of those sweet peppers softening in the pan always reminds me of summer cookouts. Scoop them out and set them aside; we’ll add them back in later for our Flavorful Low Carb Burrito Bowl.
03 - Add another tablespoon of avocado oil to the same skillet, crank the heat up to medium-high. Once it's shimmering, add your marinated chicken thighs in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You want a good sear! Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until beautifully browned and cooked through. I always get a little excited when I see that golden crust forming. This is where the magic happens, infusing all that zesty, smoky flavor into the chicken for our Flavorful Low Carb Burrito Bowl.
04 - Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes on a cutting board. This step is crucial for juicy chicken! Then, shred it using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces. I find shredding gives it a more authentic burrito bowl feel. Toss the shredded chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed bell peppers and onions. If there are any delicious browned bits at the bottom of the pan, scrape them up—that's pure flavor!
05 - In a separate pan or the microwave, prepare your cauliflower rice according to package directions. I like to keep it simple, maybe just a tiny bit of salt and pepper. Don't overcook it, or it gets mushy; we want it to hold its texture as the base for our Flavorful Low Carb Burrito Bowl. This is where I always try to sneak in a little extra lime juice for brightness, which makes a huge difference, honestly!
06 - Now for the fun part! Divide the cooked cauliflower rice among your bowls. Top with generous portions of the chicken and veggie mixture. Add a scoop of rinsed black soybeans, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of the remaining lime juice. If you like a kick, a dash of hot sauce is fantastic here. Admire your handiwork—it should look vibrant and smell absolutely incredible. This Flavorful Low Carb Burrito Bowl is ready for its close-up!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken dry before marinating; it makes a huge difference in the sear.
02 - Store wet toppings separately from the main bowl components to prevent sogginess.
03 - If you're out of fresh lime, a splash of apple cider vinegar can offer a tang, but fresh is truly best.
04 - Serving with homemade guacamole really elevates the whole experience, trust me on this one!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - mixing bowls
03 - sharp knife
04 - cutting board.

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 35g

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