Ingredients
Chicken and Spices
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (preferably thick flakes)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Vegetables and Rice
- 2 whole peppers (any color, sliced)
- 1 onion (yellow or white, sliced)
- 2 cups rice (cooked - white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
Garnishes
- 8 tablespoons cotija cheese (crumbled)
- 8 tablespoons guacamole
- Optional: sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for finishing the chicken after searing.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the sliced peppers and onions until they become tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the rice according to package instructions. Use white, brown, or cauliflower rice per your preference.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over high heat and let it heat for approximately 5 minutes to get hot enough for searing.
- Combine the Spices: In a bowl, mix together paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Season the Chicken: Brush the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil and generously pat the spice mixture on both sides to coat evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for 30 seconds on one side until blackened, then flip and sear the other side for another 30 seconds.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the oven, transfer to a covered serving dish, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls, then top each with sautéed peppers and onions, sliced chicken breast, crumbled cotija cheese, guacamole, and optional sour cream.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb or gluten-free option.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your heat preference.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after baking ensures juicier slices.
- Serve with additional lime wedges for an extra zesty touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired