Smoky Chicken Skewer Bowl (Printer-Friendly)
Smoky grilled chicken skewers over brown rice, black beans, corn and fresh veggies with tangy yogurt-lime sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Smoky Chicken Skewers
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
07 - 1 tsp kosher salt
08 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
09 - Juice of 1 lime
10 - Bamboo or metal skewers
→ Bowl Base
11 - 2 cups cooked brown rice
12 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
13 - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, frozen, or canned
→ Fresh Toppings
14 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
15 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
16 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
17 - 1 avocado, sliced
18 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - Lime wedges for serving
→ Zesty Yogurt Sauce
20 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
21 - 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
22 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
23 - Salt and pepper to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, chipotle chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Add the chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
02 - Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto bamboo or metal skewers, spacing them evenly for consistent cooking.
03 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 - In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
05 - Divide the cooked brown rice, black beans, and corn evenly among four bowls. Arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro over each bowl. Place the grilled chicken skewers on top.
06 - Drizzle each bowl generously with the zesty yogurt sauce and serve alongside fresh lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The smoky char on the chicken paired with the cool yogurt sauce is the kind of contrast that makes you close your eyes and actually taste your food.
- Everything cooks in under half an hour, but it looks like you spent the whole afternoon building layers of flavor.
- It is endlessly adaptable, so whatever vegetables are languishing in your crisper drawer can find a happy home here.
02 -
- If you use bamboo skewers on an open grill without soaking them first, they will catch fire and you will learn this lesson faster than you would like.
- Letting the chicken rest for a couple minutes after grilling keeps the juices inside the meat instead of running all over your cutting board.
03 -
- Pat the chicken completely dry before adding it to the marinade because excess moisture prevents that gorgeous char from forming.
- Double the yogurt sauce and keep the extra in your fridge for everything from roasted vegetables to a quick sandwich spread.