Healthy Taco Bowls

👩🏻‍🍳 Tamara Talks – Taco Bowls and Rotisserie Chicken

In the process of working on this healthy taco bowl, I did some research to see what was available on the internet. I was a little surprised to see a LOT of ground beef, shredded lettuce, grated cheddar, chopped tomatoes, a scoop of guacamole, and a generic looking salad dressing. Never one to stick to the predictable, I wanted to do a taco bowl that would still be quick and easy, but one that was flexible and included more interesting components.

Rotisserie chicken has become a favorite shortcut for busy weeknights… like poblano chicken, quinoa soup, and tacos. Rotisserie chicken seemed to be a natural choice for this easy taco bowl recipe. I kick it up a notch with homemade tajín, but you can certainly use your preferred brand.

This post is more of a template than a “recipe.” Whether you opt to make a homemade dressing, stick with white rice, use grilled or canned corn, be creative, and make it your own!

📋 Ingredients Notes

Here is a quick look at the ingredients in the recipe – it’s handy to use at the grocery store or as a summary of what you need. Skip to the recipe for quantities.

• chicken – As I mentioned earlier, this is a great way to use rotisserie chicken, meal prep chicken breast, or grilled tajín chicken.
• rice – You have options. On photo day, I sautéed cumin seed and garlic in a drizzle of olive oil before adding the rice and chicken broth. This is essentially my simple Peruvian rice. It’s incredibly simple, and so flavorful. I have also used cilantro rice and red rice. Of course you can do plain white or brown rice, quinoa, etc. NOTE: This is a great way to use leftover rice.
• dressing – The ingredient that ties all the other ingredients together is the cilantro jalapeño ranch. It is super quick and easy to make – all ingredients go into a blender! Perhaps you have a brand of dressing that is similar?
• corn – When I have time, I always prefer to grill fresh corn. I wrap an ear in foil with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. Try this charred frozen corn. Of course plain frozen and thawed corn is fine. I’m not a fan of canned corn, but if you like it, go for it.
• shredded cabbage
• cheese – If I’m making anything Mexican or Mexican-inspired, I’m usually going to use Mexican cheese. Queso fresco and aged cotija are both great options. Of course you can use what you have or prefer. Be creative!
• beans – On photo day, I used black beans (and usually do!), but you can substitute, pinto, mayocoba, kidney beans, etc.
• toppings – What is a Mexican dish without avocado?😜 Tortilla chips, tomatoes, radishes, avocado, jicama, lime wedges are all great options. If you think of anything to add to the list, please leave a comment below!
• NOTE: I was unhappy with my baked tortilla chips. We did scoop from the bowls with them, but I didn’t add them to the final photos.

🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions

• Make the rice – As I mention in the introduction, I keep it simple, but I do really like to elevate my rice with cumin seed, garlic, and chicken broth. See Ingredients Notes for more ideas.
• Prepare chicken – Starting with cooked, shredded chicken, toss the chicken with the tajín.
• Prepare the corn – If you wish to grill the corn, place an ear of corn on foil, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
• Prepare the dressing if making dressing – Go to cilantro jalapeño ranch if you’d like to make it. If you have another suitable dressing recipe you like, make the dressing now.

• Build your healthy taco bowl – Scoop a layer of rice, and spread across a shallow bowl. Next arrange tajín chicken, corn, shredded cabbage, cheese, and beans on top.

• Garnish your bowls – Top it all with sliced avocado, tomatoes, lime wedges, as desired.

• Dress your bowls – I recommend dressing somewhat lightly so as to not overwhelm all the other yummy flavors. Serve additional dressing on the side.

❓FAQ

💡 Tips

A taco bowl can be a great way to elevate leftovers! If you have left over rice, taco toppings, rotisserie chicken, put them to good use.😋

🥗Related Recipes

Simple Peruvian Rice

Mexican Cilantro Rice

Healthy Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing

Arroz Rojo (Mexican Red Rice)