Baja Bowl

Baja Bowl with chicken in under 30 minutes with fresh vegetables, grains and black beans blended with a creamy, zesty Salsa Verde Avocado dressing. 

This 30 minute meal is packed with flavor, protein and bright beautiful color.

It’s my take on Panera Bread’s Baja Bowl with Chicken but it makes two generous bowls for less than the cost of one from Panera.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

• Simple make-ahead dinner with clean ingredients with layers of flavor!
• A copycat Panera Bread Baja Bowl but can be customized with your favorites.
• Packed with protein, great for a quick lunch – healthy and hearty to keep you fueled.
• Grain bowls with layered ingredients let you use vegetables you already have.
• It’s easy to make your own grain bowl at home for way less money.
• The dressing starts with salsa verde – a delicious salsa with tangy lime flavor.
• It’s a whole meal in a bowl. If you want a little something sweet, try a fresh fruit cup.

WHAT KIND OF GRAIN IS BEST IN A BAJA BOWL?

There’s no one right choice. I prefer a 90 second brown rice/quinoa combination that helps keep within the 30 minute time-frame. Here are a few other suggestions:

• brown rice
• golden quinoa
• long grain rice
• white quinoa

BEST TIPS AND ANSWERS TO FAQ:

• There’s enough for 2 bowls in one packet of 90 second rice, quinoa or blends.
• Pre-shredded/chopped kale saves time.
• Make ahead for lunch or dinner – add avocado just before serving.
• The dressing can be made up to 1 day ahead and stored in the fridge.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.

SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS TO THIS RECIPE:

There are many subs to this recipe. Take a look in fridge and see what you alreadyhave.

• Use rice, quinoa – or a blend like you see here – any brand or variety.
• Sub feta cheese or feta crumbles instead of cheddar.
• Sour cream instead of Greek yogurt in the dressing.
• Black bean corn salsa instead of beans and corn.
• Use whatever kind of plain yogurt you normally buy, including whole milk greek yogurt.
• Add diced red onions.
• A bed of fresh arugula instead of kale.
• Try another lean protein such as shrimp, fish or even steak!
• Add delicious salsa instead of fresh tomatoes.
• A squeeze of lemon over the top instead of lime.
• Sprinkle tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips over the top.

CAN I MAKE THIS BAJA BOWL AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes! This healthy meal is the perfect way to meal prep for a quick lunch or dinner. Assemble and store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days.

Store the dressing in a separate container and add avocado just before serving so it doesn’t brown.

WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE THIS BAJA BOWL?

You’ll find similar ingredients to the Panera Warm Grain Bowl.

The Bowl:

• olive oil
• boneless skinless chicken breasts
• store bought jar salsa verde
• salt and black pepper
• kale shredded/chopped
• cooked brown rice – brown rice combination
• canned black beans rinsed and drained
• fresh avocado
• red peppers (or other bell peppers)
• red grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
• corn (frozen used, can use canned or fresh)
• shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Salsa Verde Avocado Dressing Ingredient List:

1. salsa verde (jarred)
2. half of one ripe avocado
3. plain Greek yogurt (0% used but can use whole milk greek yogurt instead)
4. honey
5. fresh cilantro

HOW TO MAKE A BAJA BOWL:

Cut the chicken into tenders. Add to a bowl. Top with 1/4 cup of salsa verde then toss to coat.

Refrigerate 15 minutes up to 2 hours.

Microwave or cook the rice/quinoa while the chicken cooks then set it aside.

To a large skillet over medium heat drizzle in the olive oil and once hot add the chicken.

Note: chicken can also be grilled or air fried.

Season with salt and pepper then cook 3 minutes letting the chicken sear.

Flip  the chicken to the other side and cook 3 more minutes or until it’s cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE SALSA VERDE DRESSING?

Add all of the ingredients to a blender then puree until smooth (add whole cilantro leaves/stems).

Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or to your desired consistency then pulse a few times. Season with salt to taste.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE BAJA BOWL:

Cut the chicken into bite size pieces.

Divide kale  and brown rice-quinoa or other grain between the bowls.

Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl along with a dollop of dressing then gently toss to combine.

LOOKING FOR MORE HEALTHY RECIPES?

Grilled Salmon Kabobs

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Turkey Lentil Soup

Enjoy!

Tried this Baja Chicken Bowl recipe? Leave a comment, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and TAG ME on social media! @agoudalife or #agoudalife