Description
Lemon Chili Grilled Chicken Bowls are zesty, flavorful, and satisfying — tender grilled chicken marinated in lemon and chili spices, served over a base of rice with fresh vegetables, hummus, and bright toppings. It’s a balanced, customizable bowl that’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½–1 tsp chili flakes or chili powder (depending on heat preference)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup hummus
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chili flakes or powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and honey or maple syrup (if using).
- Add the chicken to the marinade, coating it thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium‑high heat. Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let rest a few minutes, then slice.
- Prepare bowls by placing cooked rice as a base, then layer cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a dollop of hummus.
- Top with sliced grilled chicken, sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the top.
Notes
- You can substitute rice with quinoa, couscous, or a bed of greens for a lighter or gluten‑free option.
- Add pickled onions, roasted chickpeas, or a drizzle of tahini for extra flavor variations.
- For a spicier kick, increase chili flakes or use a spicy hummus.
- To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or falafel.
- Marinate and grill the chicken ahead of time, then assemble bowls when ready for meal prep convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
