Serves 2
Chicken & Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Blackened Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- ½ Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp brown sugar
Base & Warm Veggies
- 1 cup Peruvian quinoa; cooked
- 1 cup brown rice; cooked
- 15 oz (can) black beans; drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp oregano
- olive oil; drizzle
- 1 cup corn and fire-roasted red pepper succotash
Fresh Toppings
- 1 large ripe avocado; peeled, pitted, and sliced
- ½ cup English cucumber; diced
- ½ cup pico de gallo
- ¼ cup pickled red onions
- ¼ cup feta cheese; crumbled
- fresh cilantro; chopped
Greek Yogurt Crema
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- pinch garlic powder
- salt to taste
Pickled Red Onions
- 1 large red onion; sliced very thin
- ½ cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- ½ cup warm water
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
Pico de Gallo
- 4 large Roma tomatoes; cored, seeded, and finely diced
- ½ large white onion; finely diced
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper; seeded and minced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves; finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- ½ tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
Directions - Roast the Cauliflower
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the cauliflower florets in a splash of olive oil and the chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
- Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes until tender and slightly charred at the edges.
Directions - Sear the Blackened Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Rub them lightly with 1 Tbsp of olive oil.
- Mix the blackened seasoning together in a small bowl, then coat both sides of the chicken generously.
- Heat a skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until a dark, flavorful crust forms and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice it.
Directions - Prep the Base & Crema
- Make sure the cooked quinoa and brown rice are warm, then mix them together to form the grain base.
- In a small saucepan, gently warm the black beans with a pinch of salt and cumin. Do the same for the corn and roasted pepper succotash.
- Whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl until smooth.
Directions - Assemble the Bowls
- Base: Divide the warm quinoa and brown rice blend equally into the bottom of two large serving bowls.
- Hot fillings: Arrange the warm black beans, roasted cauliflower, and corn succotash in distinct sections on top of the grains.
- Cold fillings: Add the diced cucumbers, pickled red onions, and a generous scoop of pico de gallo.
- Protein: Lay the sliced blackened chicken across the middle.
- Finish: Lay the sliced avocado next to the chicken. Garnish with crumbled feta, chopped cilantro, and a heavy drizzle of the Greek yogurt crema.
Directions - 10-Minute Pickled Red Onions
- Place the thinly sliced onions into a clean glass jar or a heat-safe bowl.
- In a measuring cup, whisk together the vinegar, warm water, sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt completely dissolve.
- Pour the liquid over the onions, making sure they are fully submerged.
- Let them sit at room temperature for at least 15 to 30 minutes before using. They will turn a vibrant pink color.
Directions - Pico de Gallo
- Combine the diced tomatoes, onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro in a medium bowl.
- Drizzle the lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle with the salt.
- Toss everything gently until thoroughly combined.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the salt to draw out the flavors.
Notes
Succotash can be made by pan-searing sweet corn kernels and diced red bell peppers together.Pickled red onions add a bright, tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the chicken and avocado. Store extras in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
For the best pico de gallo texture, core and de-seed the tomatoes so the mix doesn't get watery.
