Save A vibrant and flavorful bowl featuring zesty green enchilada sauce, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings—a satisfying Tex-Mex meal perfect for busy weeknights.
The first time I made this enchiladas rice bowl, my family devoured every bite and immediately asked when I'd make it again. It's become one of our most-requested dinners, thanks to the bold Tex-Mex flavors and colorful toppings.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups, shredded (rotisserie or poached)
- Cooked rice: 2 cups white or brown rice
- Green enchilada sauce: 1 1/2 cups (store-bought or homemade)
- Black beans: 1 cup canned, rinsed and drained
- Corn kernels: 1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Red onion: 1/2 cup diced
- Fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup chopped
- Avocado: 1 sliced
- Radishes: 1/2 cup sliced
- Queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese: 1/2 cup crumbled or shredded
- Lime: 1 cut into wedges
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Heat Chicken Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Rice Base:
- Fluff the cooked rice and divide it evenly among four serving bowls.
- Assemble Bowls:
- Top each bowl of rice with warm green enchilada chicken, black beans, corn, and red onion.
- Add Toppings:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, radishes, and cheese.
- Serve:
- Serve each bowl with a lime wedge for squeezing over the top.
Save Once when my kids had friends over, everyone gathered around the table and created their own bowls—making dinner both fun and interactive. I love how sharing this meal brings everyone together.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, chefs knife, cutting board, serving bowls, spoon or spatula.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese). May contain gluten if using non-certified enchilada sauce. Avocado and cheese might need to be omitted for allergy safety.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 465, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 54 g, Protein 28 g.
Save This rice bowl offers a pop of color and flavor with every bite. Add or swap toppings to suit your family's taste for a sure weeknight winner.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of rice works best for this bowl?
Either white or brown rice can be used; brown rice offers a nuttier flavor and more fiber, while white rice is softer and quicker to cook. Quinoa can also be a great alternative.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or simply add extra black beans for protein.
- → How can I add extra heat to this meal?
Incorporate pickled jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to increase the spiciness without overpowering the other flavors.
- → Is it possible to prepare the sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade green enchilada sauce blends ingredients like tomatillos, green chilies, garlic, and spices for a fresh and zesty flavor.
- → What toppings add the best texture contrast?
Fresh ingredients like diced red onion, sliced avocado, radishes, and crumbled cheese provide creamy, crunchy, and tangy elements that balance the saucy chicken and soft rice.