The star players in this Southwest Chicken Bowl are the grilled Pineapple Habanero Salsa and Char Crust Dry Rub. This seasoning not only has amazing flavor, but it also seals in the juices of the chicken. Make this delicious Southwest Chicken and Rice Bowl to celebrate the arrival of summer and backyard barbecue grilling.
Summer is a time of relaxation in our home. As a teacher, I have extended time off to enjoy my children and the fruits of our labor. We particularly love the foods of this season because we are reminded of swimming pools, backyard barbecues, sunshine, and laughter.
Why we love this recipe:
- Spice: Grab some water (or better yet, a beer)! The habanero and jalapeño add a nice kick to this dish for all of my pepper lovers out there. Don't worry, the pineapple will help balance the flavor.
- Seasonal: As already mentioned, we love a good backyard barbecue. Southwest Chipotle chicken is a great alternative to traditional barbecue sauce when you're in the mood for something a little different.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Looking for more amazing grill recipes? Try this Char-Grilled Peach Salad or this Blackened Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Grilled Corn.
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Instructions
- What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- How Should You Store This?
- What Are Some Expert Tips?
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📖 Recipe
- Important Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless, seasoned with Char Crust Southwest Chipotle Seasoning.
- Basmati Rice: Adds a fluffy and fragrant base.
- Black Beans: Provides protein and fiber.
- Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats.Lime: For a zesty tang.
- Radishes: Adds a crunchy texture.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
- Pineapple Habanero Salsa: For a sweet and spicy kick.
Garnish
- Cilantro
- Jalapeno Slices
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make a Southwest Chicken Bowl with Pineapple Habanero Salsa
STEP ONE: Prepare the Pineapple Habanero Salsa and Chicken
Prepare the Pineapple Habanero Salsa Recipe and place it in the refrigerator to chill.
Season chicken thighs with Char Crust Southwest Chipotle Seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Rice and Beans
Cook the Jasmine rice according to package directions. In a small saucepan, heat the drained and rinsed black beans over medium heat until warm. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
STEP THREE: Prepare the Vegetables
Dice the avocado and slice the radishes thinly.
STEP FOUR: Assemble the Bowl
Slice the cooked chicken thighs into strips. Divide the Jasmine rice into four bowls. Top each bowl with equal portions of sliced chicken, black beans, diced avocado, pineapple habanero salsa, and sliced radishes. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Spice: Use a store-bought mango salsa in place of the pineapple habanero salsa if you're short on time or need to tone down the spice.
- Protein: Chicken breasts or your favorite grilled fish would make a good substitution.
- Rice: Use brown rice or yellow rice as an alternative.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Equipment: Use a skillet if you don't have a grill.
- Presentation: Serve in a large bowl for family-style dining.
- Kid-Friendly: Reduce the amount of habanero pepper for a milder version.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Gas Grill
- Grill tongs
- Pot
- Mixing Bowls
- Cutting board
- Knife
How Should You Store This?
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
This dish is not freezer-friendly.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
Make extra pineapple habanero salsa and use it as a topping for other dishes.
To save time, prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Extra radish can be used by tossing them into this Creamy Cucumber and Radish Salad.
- Did you buy too many avocados? Use them in this Guacamole Dip.
- Add Pineapple Habanero Salsa to Blackened Salmon.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
More dinner recipes you will love:
Frequently Asked Questions
Habanero peppers are considered extremely hot (140x) compared to jalapeño peppers. They are so hot in fact, that you should use gloves when cutting them to protect your hands. Habanero peppers are typically bright orange in color with a unique shape and smaller in size vs. jalapeño peppers which are green and often larger in size.
Yes, cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Absolutely, white rice, brown rice, or Basmati rice works just as well.
📖 Recipe
Southwest Chicken Bowl with Pineapple Habanero Salsa
Equipment
- Gas Grill
- Grill tongs
- Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons Char Crust Southwest Chipotle Seasoning
- 1 ½ cups pineapple habanero salsa
- 1 cup Jasmine rice
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado diced
- 1 lime cut into wedges
- 3 radishes thinly sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- cilantro
- jalapeno Slices
Instructions
- Prepare the pineapple habanero salsa. Place it in the refrigerator to chill.
- Season the chicken thighs with Char Crust Southwest Chipotle Seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest.
- Cook the rice according to package directions.
- In a small saucepan, heat the drained and rinsed black beans over medium heat until warm. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice the cooked chicken thighs into strips. Divide the Jasmine rice into four bowls.
- Top each bowl with equal portions of sliced chicken, black beans, diced avocado, pineapple habanero salsa, and sliced radishes.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Spice: Use a store-bought mango salsa in place of the pineapple habanero salsa if you're short on time or need to tone down the spice.
- Protein: Chicken breasts or your favorite grilled fish would make a good substitution.
- Rice: Use brown rice, yellow rice, or basmati rice as an alternative.
Nutrition
Try out this Southwest Chicken Bowl with Pineapple Habanero Salsa for a healthy, delicious meal that your whole family will love. Don’t forget to share your results and check out our other related recipes!
Important Food Safety Tips
Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F. Store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator. Reheat food thoroughly before eating.
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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