Spring is coming, and it’s a great time to lighten up the lunchtime routine. This recipe makes a great pack-ahead lunch and is designed for easy substitutions. Leftover chicken would work just as well, as would brown rice instead of the quinoa or baby spinach instead of the romaine. In a pinch, using a store-bought rotisserie chicken would be a great way to get enough meat for a week’s worth of lunches.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups cooked quinoa
2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1 cup canned pinto beans, rinsed
1 ripe avocado, diced
¼ cup prepared pico de gallo or other salsa
¼ cup shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Lime wedges for serving
Preheat grill to medium-high or preheat broiler. Combine chipotle peppers, oil, garlic powder and cumin in a small bowl.
Oil the grill rack or a rimmed baking sheet, if broiling. Season chicken with salt. Grill the chicken for 5 minutes or broil it on the prepared baking sheet for 9 minutes. Turn, brush with the chipotle glaze and continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 165°F, 3 to 5 minutes more on the grill or 9 minutes more under the broiler. Transfer to a clean cutting board. Chop into bite-size pieces.
Assemble each burrito bowl with ½ cup quinoa, ½ cup chicken, ½ cup lettuce, ¼ cup beans, ¼ avocado, 1 tablespoon pico de gallo (or other salsa) and 1 tablespoon cheese. Serve with a lime wedge.
Serving size: 1 burrito bowl, about 2½ cups. Makes 4 servings.
Per serving: 452 calories; 19 g fat(4 g sat); 9 g fiber; 36 g carbohydrates; 36 g protein
Printable recipe available at: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/254609/chipotle-chicken-quinoa-burrito-bowl/