Save 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.
These green enchiladas rice bowls have become a staple in our house whenever we are craving something colorful yet simple. The combination of rich green sauce and fun toppings always lifts our mealtime mood!
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
- Fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Avocado: 1, sliced
- Sliced radishes: 1/2 cup
- Queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled or shredded
- 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 Base:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Serve each bowl with a lime wedge for squeezing over the top.
Save I remember making these bowls for our first Tex-Mex night, and the vibrant toppings had everyone smiling around the dinner table! It's now my go-to recipe when we want something nourishing and festive.
Serving Suggestions
This bowl pairs perfectly with a crisp Mexican lager, citrusy sparkling water, or some simple tortilla chips on the side.
Allergen Notes
Contains dairy if using queso fresco or Monterey Jack. Avocado and cheese may pose concerns for sensitive eaters—omit as needed.
Nutrition Information
Each serving has approximately 465 calories, 14 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 28 g protein. Nutritional values are estimates and will vary by chosen toppings and rice variety.
Save This colorful rice bowl is the ultimate quick-comfort dinner—satisfyingly filling and ready for your favorite Tex-Mex toppings!
Kitchen Help
- → What kind of chicken works best for the dish?
Shredded rotisserie or poached chicken breast works well, providing tender and juicy protein that absorbs the sauce flavors perfectly.
- → Can I make this bowl vegetarian?
Yes, replacing chicken with sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or extra black beans creates a flavorful vegetarian option.
- → What rice types are suitable for this dish?
Both white and brown rice work well. Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber for a heartier meal.
- → How do the toppings enhance the dish?
Fresh cilantro, avocado, radishes, and cheese add contrasting textures and bright flavors that complement the saucy chicken and rice.
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare components separately and combine before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- → What seasonings bring out the Tex-Mex flavor?
Ground cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper add warmth and depth to the green enchilada sauce and chicken mixture.