Chili Lime Chicken Rice Bowls with Avocado Crema

Lora Lopez

Posted on July 22, 2025

Welcome to your new favorite dish: Chili Lime Chicken Rice Bowls with Avocado Crema. This vibrant and flavorful recipe combines juicy, marinated chicken with fluffy jasmine rice and a creamy avocado sauce that will elevate your dining experience. Perfect for meal prep or a quick family dinner, these rice bowls are not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal or a dish that impresses, this recipe fits the bill. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the delicious world of chili lime chicken!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that come together to create a satisfying and wholesome meal. The Chili Lime Chicken Rice Bowls with Avocado Crema are vibrant, colorful, and packed with nutrients. Here are several reasons why you’ll love making and enjoying this recipe:

Quick and Easy: This meal can be whipped up in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The zesty lime and spicy chili powder marinade infuses the chicken with bold flavors that are simply irresistible.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the avocado, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as fresh veggies, beans, or even cheese to personalize your bowl.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches throughout the week.

If you’re a fan of rice bowls, you might also want to check out these delicious options: Grilled Steak Rice Bowls and Teriyaki Tofu Rice Bowls.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

The Chili Lime Chicken Rice Bowls with Avocado Crema are not just a meal; they are an experience. The combination of flavors is sure to please everyone at the table, making it a great dish for gatherings or family meals. Let’s explore some compelling reasons to try this recipe:

Versatile Meal: This recipe works as a main dish or a side. Pair it with your favorite protein or serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing fresh ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also ensures you’re consuming wholesome nutrients.
Fun to Assemble: The process of assembling your own bowl allows for creativity. Let everyone customize their bowls with toppings!
Great for Leftovers: Leftover chicken and rice can be used for wraps, salads, or even quesadillas the next day, making it highly versatile.

For more delicious chicken recipes, you might want to explore Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips and Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients and utensils to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Zest and juice of 1 lime

For the Rice:

1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups water
Salt to taste

For the Avocado Crema:

1 ripe avocado
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste

For Serving:

Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Sliced radishes
Diced tomatoes
Corn (optional)

Necessary Utensils:

Mixing bowl for marinating chicken
Medium saucepan for cooking rice
Grill or skillet for cooking chicken
Blender or food processor for avocado crema
Serving bowls for assembling
Measuring cups and spoons

Having these ingredients and utensils ready will ensure that your cooking process for the Chili Lime Chicken Rice Bowls with Avocado Crema goes off without a hitch!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have your ingredients and utensils ready, let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step to make these delicious rice bowls:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix well to create a marinade.
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Make the Avocado Crema

In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it among serving bowls.
Top each bowl with sliced chili lime chicken.
Drizzle with avocado crema and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced radishes, diced tomatoes, and corn if desired.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Chili Lime Chicken Rice Bowls with Avocado Crema!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but note that it will require a longer cooking time and more water. Follow the instructions on the package for best results.

Can I make the avocado crema ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the avocado crema a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of chili powder used. Adjust it to your taste preference to make it milder or spicier!

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Certainly! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra nutrition and flavor.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Chili Lime Chicken Rice Bowls with Avocado Crema are a deliciously satisfying and healthy meal that everyone will love. With their vibrant flavors and customizable options, these bowls are perfect for any occasion. Try making these rice bowls today, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you personalized your bowls! Happy cooking!

For more tasty recipes, check out our Pinterest page for inspiration and ideas!