Craving something vibrant, healthy, and packed with flavor? These Baja Bowls are everything you want in a weeknight meal: juicy marinated chicken, zesty cilantro-lime rice, fresh toppings, and a creamy cilantro sauce that ties it all together. Inspired by popular restaurant bowls, this homemade version is lighter on your wallet — and big on taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh & Healthy: Full of lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and bold, herby flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Cook once, eat multiple times.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to your taste or dietary needs.
- Cost-Effective: All the satisfaction of a restaurant-style bowl — at home.
Ingredients:
For the Baja Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh lime juice
- Fresh orange juice
- Sliced jalapeños
- Minced garlic
- Dried oregano
- Ground cumin
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking oil (olive or vegetable)
For the Creamy Cilantro Sauce:
- Greek yogurt
- Salsa verde
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice
- Minced garlic
For the Bowls:
- Cilantro-lime rice
- Black bean and corn salsa
- Grape tomatoes, halved
- Sliced avocado
- Crumbled feta cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl or bag, mix lime juice, orange juice, garlic, jalapeños, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and half the oil.
Add the chicken, coat well, and refrigerate for 20 minutes up to 3 hours.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the remaining oil in a skillet over medium-high.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook 6–8 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
Let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cilantro Sauce
Blend together Greek yogurt, salsa verde, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Start with a base of cilantro-lime rice.
Add sliced chicken, black bean & corn salsa, tomatoes, avocado, and feta.
Finish with a generous drizzle of the cilantro sauce on top.
Tips & Variations
- Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free yogurt and skip the feta.
- Go vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled veggies or chickpeas.
- Low-carb option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or greens.
- Storage: Keep ingredients separate in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assemble when ready to eat!
These Baja Bowls are colorful, nutritious, and completely customizable. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or even packed lunches — fresh flavor has never been this easy!
Happy cooking!