Pin Recipe A vibrant and flavorful bowl featuring zesty green enchilada sauce, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings—a satisfying Tex-Mex meal perfect for busy weeknights.
I created this Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl after needing an easy Tex-Mex dinner that felt exciting and fresh. The mix of warm, saucy chicken and cool, crisp toppings always makes dinnertime feel special without extra fuss.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups, shredded (rotisserie or poached)
- Cooked white or brown rice: 2 cups
- Green enchilada sauce: 1 1/2 cups (store-bought or homemade)
- Canned black beans: 1 cup, rinsed and drained
- Corn kernels: 1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Diced red onion: 1/2 cup
- Chopped fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup
- Avocado: 1, sliced
- Sliced radishes: 1/2 cup
- Crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack cheese: 1/2 cup
- Lime: 1, cut into wedges
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Rice Bowls:
- Fluff the cooked rice and divide it evenly among four serving bowls.
- Add Toppings:
- Top each bowl of rice with warm green enchilada chicken, black beans, corn, and red onion.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, radishes, and cheese.
- Finish & Serve:
- Serve each bowl with a lime wedge for squeezing over the top.
Pin Recipe My family loves gathering around the table to customize their own bowls—everyone can pick their favorite toppings, making dinner even more fun and interactive.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, chefs knife, cutting board, serving bowls, spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese). May contain gluten if using non-certified enchilada sauce. Avocado and cheese may pose issues for related allergies—omit as needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 465 Protein: 28 g Total Fat: 14 g Carbohydrates: 54 g (per serving)
Pin Recipe Try pairing this bowl with a crisp Mexican lager or sparkling citrus water for a refreshing touch. Enjoy customizing every bite just the way you like it!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely, brown rice works well and adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber to the bowl.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace shredded chicken with sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or additional black beans for a delicious vegetarian option.
- → What are the best toppings for added texture?
Fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, radishes, and crumbled queso fresco provide a nice balance of creaminess, crunch, and freshness.
- → Can I prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the shredded chicken in green sauce can be made in advance and reheated gently before serving to save time.
- → What drinks pair well with this bowl?
A crisp Mexican lager or citrusy sparkling water complements the bold flavors and fresh ingredients perfectly.