Hello, WiseRecipes readers and fellow fans of meals that are bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and come together in a flash! Are you looking for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both incredibly satisfying and delightfully easy? Then you absolutely must try my Ultimate Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe! This chicken recipe, while quick and easy, is absolutely delicious!

Imagine tender, seasoned pieces of chicken nestled amongst hearty brown rice, sweet corn, crisp red pepper, and gooey melted Monterey Jack cheese, all brought together with your favorite salsa and a dollop of cool sour cream. It’s a true fiesta in a bowl! It involves very basic ingredients, but when put together, they all compliment one another beautifully. This easy baja chicken and brown rice bowl with corn and salsa is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

My journey to perfecting this Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe was all about capturing those bright, zesty, and slightly smoky flavors reminiscent of coastal Mexican cuisine. We’ll explore how to make a healthy baja chicken bowl with monterey jack cheese that the whole family will adore. Red pepper, corn, salsa, and monterey jack cheese get together with brown rice to produce a quick weeknight dinner you will come back often.

So, if you’re ready for a flavorful grilled or pan seared chicken for baja bowls that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat, let’s get cooking this amazing Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe!

Why This Baja Style Chicken Bowl is Your New Weeknight Go-To

If “quick and easy, is absolutely delicious!” isn’t enough, here’s why this Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe is a winner:

Bursting with Fresh Baja Flavors: The combination of seasoned chicken, sweet corn, crisp peppers, zesty salsa, and creamy cheese is a true taste adventure. This is the heart of our Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe.
Incredibly Quick & Easy to Assemble: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without a lot of effort.
Utilizes Basic, Flavorful Ingredients: Simple pantry staples and fresh produce come together beautifully.
Hearty & Satisfying: Brown rice and chicken provide a filling base, while veggies add freshness and nutrients.
Customizable to Your Liking: Easily swap toppings, add different salsas, or adjust the spice level.
Family-Friendly Appeal: The familiar, beloved flavors are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make for a beautiful and appetizing bowl. This is the best quick weeknight chicken bowl recipe baja style.

Gather Your Fresh Fiesta Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Let’s get our simple yet vibrant components ready for this delightful Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe.

Key Ingredients (Serves 4):

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or Thighs): 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
Olive Oil: 1-2 tablespoons.
Chili Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons.
Cumin: 1 teaspoon.
Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon.
Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
Lime Juice (Optional, for chicken marinade): 1 tablespoon.

For the Bowls:

Cooked Brown Rice (or White Rice/Quinoa): 3-4 cups, kept warm.
Corn Kernels (Fresh, Frozen Thawed, or Canned Drained): 1 cup.
Red Bell Pepper: 1 medium, diced.
Salsa Verde (or your favorite red salsa): ½ – ¾ cup, plus more for serving.
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (or a Mexican blend): 1 – 1 ½ cups.
Sour Cream (or Plain Greek Yogurt): For topping.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped, for garnish.
Optional additions: Black beans (rinsed and drained), diced avocado or guacamole, pickled jalapeños.

Building Your Baja Bowl: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s create this vibrant and satisfying Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe!

Step 1: Prepare & Cook the Chicken

Season Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if your pan isn’t non-stick), chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional 1 tablespoon lime juice until evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes if time allows for flavors to meld.
Cook Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if needed) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
Sear Until Golden & Cooked: Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, flipping or stirring occasionally, until all sides are nicely browned, slightly charred in spots, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Set aside. This is how you get flavorful grilled or pan seared chicken for baja bowls.

Step 2: Prepare Rice & Other Bowl Components

Cook Rice: If you haven’t already, cook your brown rice (or other grain) according to package directions. Keep warm. This simple chicken rice bowl with red pepper and cilantro needs good rice.
Prep Toppings: Dice the red bell pepper. If using fresh corn, cut kernels off the cob (you can lightly char them in a dry skillet for extra flavor if desired). Have your salsa, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro ready.

Step 3: Assemble Your Delicious Baja Style Chicken Bowls!

Base Layer of Rice: Divide the warm cooked brown rice evenly among your serving bowls.
Add Chicken & Veggies: Top the rice with a generous helping of the cooked seasoned chicken. Scatter the diced red bell pepper and corn kernels over and around the chicken. This is key for an easy baja chicken and brown rice bowl with corn and salsa.
Salsa & Cheese Time: Spoon a good amount of salsa verde (or your chosen salsa) over the chicken and rice. Sprinkle generously with the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Add Creamy Topping & Garnish: Add a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to each bowl. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro.
Serve Immediately: Serve your amazing Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe right away while everything is warm and the cheese can get a little melty from the heat of the chicken and rice. This is how to make a healthy baja chicken bowl with monterey jack that’s also quick!

Wise Tips for the Best Baja Style Chicken Bowl Experience

Make your Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe truly exceptional with these hints:

Don’t Overcrowd Chicken Pan: For the best browning and slight char on the chicken, cook it in batches if necessary.
Fresh Ingredients Shine: While canned/frozen corn works, fresh sweet corn (especially if lightly charred) and ripe bell peppers will elevate the flavor.
Brown Rice for Fiber: Using brown rice as suggested in the original description adds extra fiber and a nice nutty flavor to your Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe.
Layer Flavors: Season the chicken well. Choose a flavorful salsa. Each component should taste good on its own.
Customize Your Toppings: The beauty of a bowl is making it your own! Add black beans, avocado, pickled onions, or different cheeses.
Warm Components for Best Experience: Serving with warm rice and chicken allows the cheese to melt slightly and makes the bowl more comforting.
Don’t Forget the Cilantro & Lime (if not in marinade): A final sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime (if your salsa isn’t very tangy) can really brighten up all the flavors.

Delicious Variations & Creative Twists

This Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe is wonderfully adaptable:

Different Protein: Try this with seasoned grilled shrimp, flaked fish (like cod or tilapia), or even seasoned ground turkey or beef. For a vegetarian version, use seasoned black beans and extra veggies, or crumbled tofu/tempeh.
Grain Alternatives: Quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option would be delicious.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning, use a spicy salsa, or add some sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños as a topping.
Creamy Avocado Drizzle: Instead of or in addition to sour cream, make a quick avocado crema by blending avocado with lime juice, cilantro, and a little water.
Grilled Components: Grill the chicken and corn for an extra smoky flavor, making it a true best quick weeknight chicken bowl recipe baja style for summer.
Add a Slaw: A simple lime-cilantro slaw could add a lovely crunchy, tangy element.

Storing & Reheating Your Flavorful Bowl

Enjoying leftovers from your Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe:

Storage: Store cooked chicken, rice, and other prepped components (like corn, peppers) in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store salsa, sour cream, and fresh cilantro separately.
Reheating: Reheat chicken and rice gently in the microwave or a skillet until warmed through.
Assembly: Assemble bowls with fresh toppings and sauces just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Baja Style Chicken Bowl Recipe

Your common questions about this fresh and satisfying bowl:

What kind of salsa works best for this Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe?
The image suggests salsa verde (green salsa), which is delicious and adds a nice tang. However, your favorite red salsa, pico de gallo, corn salsa, or even a fruit salsa like mango or pineapple would also be fantastic.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken) is a great shortcut! Dice it and toss it with the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. You can warm it through in a skillet before adding to the bowls.
Is this recipe spicy?
As written with standard chili powder, it’s generally mild to medium in terms of spice. The heat level will largely depend on the spiciness of your chosen salsa and if you add optional jalapeños or extra cayenne. You can easily adjust it.
How can I make this Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe even healthier?
Use lean chicken breast, stick with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber, load up on extra fresh vegetables, and use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Be mindful of the amount of cheese.
Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe is excellent for meal prep. Cook the chicken and rice ahead of time. Chop your veggies (except avocado, add that fresh). Portion everything into containers and add salsa and sour cream just before eating.

This Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe is your ticket to a quick, easy, and “absolutely delicious” weeknight dinner that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s an easy baja chicken and brown rice bowl with corn and salsa where basic ingredients… compliment one another beautifully. This best quick weeknight chicken bowl recipe baja style is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!

I am so excited for you to try this recipe and experience its simple yet satisfying deliciousness! If you make this Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe, please come back and share your flavorful creations in the comments below! What are your favorite toppings to add? Happy bowl building!

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Easy Baja Style Chicken Bowl

This quick and easy Baja Style Chicken Bowl recipe is absolutely delicious, featuring seasoned chicken, brown rice, corn, red pepper, salsa, and Monterey Jack cheese. Basic ingredients that compliment one another beautifully for a perfect weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings: 4

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 –2 tbsp olive oil
1½ tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp lime juice optional, for brightness
3 –4 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen/thawed, or canned and drained
1 medium red bell pepper diced
½ – ¾ cup salsa verde or red salsa
1 – 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for topping
Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Method

Cook Rice: Cook brown rice according to package directions. Keep warm.
Prep & Cook Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed), chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional lime juice. Heat remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches for 5-7 mins until browned and cooked through.
Assemble Bowls: Divide warm brown rice among 4 bowls.
Top rice with cooked chicken, corn kernels, and diced red bell pepper.
Spoon salsa verde over the chicken and veggies. Sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes