Grilled Chicken Bowls

Whenever we’re in the mood for something easy, delicious, and healthy, grilled chicken bowls always come to mind! They’re balanced, nutrient-dense, and so convenient to throw together. We are huge fans of rice bowls and this one is so good for grilling season.

This summery recipe showcases tender chicken breasts marinated in a savory, citrus-infused sauce, then grilled to perfection. The smoky flavors pair incredibly well with steamed rice and the sweet-savory crunch of mango salsa. It’s perfect for grilling season!

Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner, hosting a backyard barbecue, or planning to meal prep, this recipe never disappoints! If you’re into quick and easy chicken recipes, you might also like to check out our grilled lemon pepper chicken, chicken stir-fry, or sheet-pan chicken fajitas.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Chicken Bowls

There are so many reasons why this recipe continues to be a favorite in our house! Here are just a few:

• Great for the grill: The bright, tangy, and citrusy marinade contrasts the smoky, charred flavors of the chicken beautifully. This recipe was made for summertime grilling!
• Great for meal prep: Grilled chicken bowls are ideal for meal prep since everything can be prepared ahead of time. Just assemble a bowl when you’re ready to eat!
• Packed with nutrients: This recipe brings a whole new meaning to eating the rainbow! It’s filled with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep you healthy.

Looking for more more light and healthy bowl recipes? Don't miss these Crispy Asian Salmon Bowls, Buddha Bowls, and Mediterranean Bowls.

Ingredients and Substitutions

You’ll just need a few simple ingredients to make these grilled chicken rice bowls:

• Chicken: We use chicken breasts since they are quick to cook and retain a lot of their juiciness on the grill. You can substitute them with chicken thighs or another protein.
• Citrus: Lime and orange juice help to tenderize the chicken and give it a bright, refreshing tang. If you don’t have either, try lemon as a substitute.
• Olive oil: Adds richness to the marinade. Avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil also work.
• Garlic and green onions: Both impart a savory, aromatic note to the marinade. Chives, yellow onions, or red onions can also be used in a pinch. Try to use fresh garlic over garlic powder as it infuses a much better flavor into the chicken.
• Spices: Cumin, oregano, and black pepper give savory depth to the marinade. Feel free to experiment with the quantities or try adding a smoky element with paprika.
• Rice: We love the fluffy, tender texture and mild flavor of steamed white or brown rice, but you can substitute it with quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Mango salsa: The combination of fresh mango cubes, cucumbers, bell pepper, cilantro, and lime is sweet, zesty, and refreshing. For a different flavor profile, try pineapple or peaches. Or to spice it up, add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper.

How To Grill Chicken Like A Pro

When done correctly, grilling chicken is one of our favorite ways to enjoy this protein. Here are some tips to ensure your grilled chicken turns out flavorful, moist, and perfectly charred:

• Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is thoroughly preheated before adding the chicken. This will prevent having to cook the chicken for too long, resulting in a tough texture.
• Clean and oil the grates: Before grilling, clean your grill grates thoroughly and oil them to prevent sticking. This will also help create those classic-looking grill marks.
• Avoid overcooking: Chicken can easily become dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
• Only flip once: Constant flipping can lead to loss of juices and uneven cooking. This is why we only recommend flipping the chicken breasts once.

How To Make Grilled Chicken Bowls

These bowls come together in just a few steps. Consider doubling or tripling the chicken and using it for different meals.

1. Prepare The Marinade

To better infuse the chicken breasts, we recommend blending the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, green onions, and seasonings until you achieve a smooth consistency. For an extra saucy bowl, you might want to double the marinade recipe.

2. Marinate The Chicken

Ensure your chicken breasts are uniform in thickness for even marination and grilling. We like to cut ours in half horizontally so they marinate and cook more quickly.

Immerse the chicken in the marinade, letting it absorb the flavors for at least 30 to 60 minutes. The longer you let it sit, the more the acid in the citrus tenderizes the chicken.

3. Grill The Chicken

Grill the chicken on each side for about 5 minutes or until cooked through to an internal temperature of 165F. Before you slice it, it’s important to let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender texture.

4. Assemble The Bowls

In the meantime, toss together the diced mango, veggies, cilantro, lime juice, and seasonings. You can even make the salsa a few hours in advance to give the flavors time to develop and meld together.

Assemble the bowls by adding a layer of cooked rice, then topping it with some grilled chicken and a generous helping of mango salsa. Drizzle extra sauce over top for a finishing touch.

What To Serve With Grilled Chicken Bowls

Grilled chicken bowls are a complete meal on their own, but if you want to spice things up, try pairing yours with sides and toppings like these:

• Guacamole: Adds a touch of richness that complements the grilled chicken perfectly.
• Beans: A side of spiced or plain black beans adds a hearty and satisfying element.
• Corn: Try grilled corn or Mexican street corn for an ultra-summery meal.
• Tortilla chips: Mix in a few tortilla chips or use them to scoop up any extra sauce.
• Sour cream: Try a dollop of sour cream, Mexican crema, or Greek yogurt for a cool, creamy contrast.
• Salsa: Some tangy, spicy salsa verde always makes a great addition to this recipe.

Storage and Reheating

For any leftover grilled chicken bowls, follow these simple storage and reheating tips:

• Fridge: Store the grilled chicken, rice, and mango salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: The fresh mango salsa won't hold up very well in the freezer, but you can freeze the grilled chicken and rice separately for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and rice in a microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop until warmed to your liking. Add the mango salsa just before serving your bowls.