Smoky Chicken and Cauliflower “Rice” Bowls

This recipe offers a quick and healthy dinner option, perfect for meal prep. Utilizing cauliflower rice as a nutritious base, it combines smoky-seasoned chicken with fresh vegetables for a flavorful and satisfying meal. You can use store-bought riced cauliflower or make your own by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains.

Ingredients

• 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided

• 1.5 tablespoons smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 red bell peppers, chopped

• 1 large red onion, chopped

• 3–4 garlic cloves, pressed

• 4 cups cauliflower rice

• 1 large avocado (or 2 small), pitted and chopped

• 2 fresh limes

• 2 green onions, sliced
  
  

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil and rub the seasonings onto the chicken to coat evenly. Set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken
   Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until fully cooked and browned on both sides, about 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.

3. Sauté Vegetables
   In the same skillet, add the chopped red bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the pressed garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4. Prepare Cauliflower Rice
   Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble the Bowls
   Slice the rested chicken breasts. Divide the cauliflower rice mixture among four bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, chopped avocado, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and sliced green onions.
   
   

Serving

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. It's ideal for immediate consumption or can be portioned into meal prep containers for future meals. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 3–4 days for optimal freshness.

Nutritional Information

While specific nutritional values aren’t provided, this dish is naturally rich in:

• Protein from the chicken breasts

• Healthy fats from avocado and olive or avocado oil

• Fiber and vitamins from cauliflower, bell peppers, onions, and garlic
  
  

This meal is low in carbohydrates, gluten-free, and fits well into clean eating or whole food-focused diets.