Zero Point chicken burrito bowl 

Introduction

Elevate your meal prep game with our delicious Chicken Burrito Bowls, designed to streamline your busy weekdays with ease. Bursting with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients like tender chicken, zesty cilantro lime cauliflower rice, sweet corn, and hearty black beans, these bowls are a nutritious and satisfying option for both lunch and dinner. Topped with fat-free salsa, creamy Greek yogurt, and optional guacamole, these bowls are not only low in points but also incredibly delicious, making them a must-have in your meal rotation. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Recipe Details

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Additional Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast or precooked grilled chicken strips
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Bowls

• 2 cups corn, frozen and thawed
• 2 cups black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups cilantro lime cauliflower rice
• 4 Tbsp non-fat Greek yogurt
• 4 Tbsp fat-free salsa (ensure no added sugar)
• 4 Tbsp Trader Joe’s reduced guilt guacamole (optional) or diced avocado
• 4 slices of lime
• Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Mix the Spices
   In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
2. Prepare the Chicken
   If using raw chicken breasts, slice them into strips. Coat the chicken strips (or precooked tenders) with the seasoning mixture.
3. Cook the Chicken
   Spray a 12″ skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is grilled and no longer pink (or until precooked chicken strips are lightly browned).
4. Dice the Chicken
   Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Dice the chicken into bite-size pieces.

Assembling the Bowls

1. Prepare the Bowls
   Divide the cilantro lime cauliflower rice evenly among 4 bowls or airtight meal prep containers.
2. Add the Ingredients
   Add 1/2 cup of corn, 1/2 cup of black beans, and 1 cup of diced chicken to each bowl.
3. Top the Bowls
   Top each bowl with fat-free salsa and 1 tablespoon of non-fat Greek yogurt. Serve with a lime wedge.
4. Garnish
   Garnish with cilantro and 1 tablespoon of Trader Joe’s reduced guilt guacamole (or avocado for additional points), if desired.
5. Storage
   Store any remaining servings in the fridge for up to a week.

Nutritional Information

Points

• GREEN: 8 SmartPoints per serving
• BLUE: Zero SmartPoints per serving
• PURPLE: Zero SmartPoints per serving

Tips for Perfect Chicken Burrito Bowls

1. Use Fresh Ingredients
   Fresh ingredients can significantly enhance the flavor of your bowls. Opt for fresh lime juice, freshly chopped cilantro, and quality chicken.
2. Adjust the Spices
   Customize the spice level according to your preference. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more chili powder.
3. Meal Prep in Advance
   These bowls are perfect for meal prepping. Prepare all the components in advance and store them separately. Assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh.
4. Try Different Proteins
   Swap chicken for other proteins like shrimp, beef, or tofu to keep things interesting.
5. Add Extra Veggies
   Incorporate extra veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, or avocado to increase the nutritional value and add more variety.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use any type of rice you prefer. Brown rice, quinoa, or regular white rice are great alternatives to cilantro lime cauliflower rice. However, keep in mind that the points value may change depending on the type of rice you use.

How long can I store these burrito bowls?

You can store these chicken burrito bowls in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure to use airtight containers to keep the ingredients fresh.

Can I freeze these bowls?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and rice components separately. However, fresh ingredients like salsa, Greek yogurt, and guacamole should be added after reheating to maintain their texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of non-fat Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have non-fat Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with regular Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even a dairy-free yogurt if you are lactose intolerant.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

You can make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or a meat substitute. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to match the protein you choose.

How do I make cilantro lime cauliflower rice?

To make cilantro lime cauliflower rice, you need to pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains. Sauté the cauliflower rice in a bit of olive oil, then mix in freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro. Season with salt to taste.

Can I use canned corn and beans?

Yes, you can use canned corn and beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove any excess sodium or preservatives.

What’s the best way to reheat these bowls?

To reheat, place the bowl components (excluding fresh toppings) in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Add the fresh toppings like Greek yogurt, salsa, and guacamole after reheating.

Are these bowls gluten-free?

Yes, these chicken burrito bowls are naturally gluten-free as long as all the ingredients (such as salsa and seasonings) are certified gluten-free.

Can I add cheese to these bowls?

Absolutely! Adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese can enhance the flavor. Keep in mind that it may increase the points value if you are following the Weight Watchers program.

Conclusion

With our Chicken Burrito Bowls, meal prep has never been easier or more delicious. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, these bowls are a satisfying option for busy weekdays. Whether you’re following the Weight Watchers program or simply seeking a nutritious and flavorful meal, these bowls are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whip up a batch today and enjoy effortless, stress-free meals all week long!