Pin It A vibrant and flavorful bowl featuring zesty green enchilada sauce, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings: a satisfying Tex-Mex meal perfect for busy weeknights.
I first made this Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl when I wanted a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. My family loved assembling their own bowls: everyone picked their own toppings, making it a fun and interactive meal.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups, shredded (rotisserie or poached)
- Cooked rice: 2 cups white or brown
- Green enchilada sauce: 1 1/2 cups (store-bought or homemade)
- Black beans: 1 cup canned, rinsed and drained
- Corn kernels: 1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Red onion: 1/2 cup, diced
- Fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Avocado: 1, sliced
- Radishes: 1/2 cup, sliced
- Queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled or shredded
- Lime: 1, cut into wedges
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Heat Chicken Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Stir and cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Rice Bowls:
- Fluff cooked rice and divide evenly among four serving bowls.
- Add Toppings:
- Top each bowl of rice with warm chicken mixture, black beans, corn, and red onion.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle bowls with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, radishes, and cheese.
- Finish & Serve:
- Serve each bowl with a lime wedge for squeezing over the top.
Pin It This meal quickly became a weeknight favorite in our house: everyone can build their own bowl just the way they like it. My children especially love adding extra cheese and squeezing fresh lime over the top.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, chefs knife, cutting board, serving bowls, spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy from cheese. May contain gluten if using non-certified enchilada sauce: always check your labels. Avocado and cheese may pose issues for those with related allergies: omit as needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 465, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 54 g, Protein 28 g
Pin It This easy rice bowl is filling, colorful, and so simple to make: enjoy with your favorite drink for a complete meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What can I substitute for chicken in this bowl?
Try sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or extra black beans for a vegetarian-friendly alternative that keeps the dish hearty and flavorful.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free green enchilada sauce and keeping other ingredients like rice and vegetables, this bowl can be enjoyed gluten-free.
- → What type of rice works best here?
Both white and brown rice work well. Brown rice or quinoa adds a whole-grain option with extra texture and nutrition.
- → How can I add more heat to the dish?
Incorporate pickled jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to give the bowl an extra spicy kick that complements the flavors.
- → What drinks pair well with this meal?
A crisp Mexican lager or a refreshing citrusy sparkling water balances the rich, zesty flavors of the bowl perfectly.