🍉 Lime Chili Chicken with Watermelon-Mint Salsa Bowl 🌿🌶️✨
🌟 Say hello to summer on a plate! This Lime Chili Chicken with Watermelon-Mint Salsa Bowl combines spicy, zesty chicken with a cooling, sweet watermelon-mint salsa. It’s a perfect sweet-heat combo for a refreshing and flavorful meal. 🍗🍋
Ingredients
For the Lime Chili Chicken:
🍗 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
🍋 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
🌶️ 1 tsp chili powder
🧂 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
🌿 1/2 tsp cumin
🧄 1 clove garlic, minced
🥄 1 tbsp olive oil
🧂 Salt & pepper to taste
For the Watermelon-Mint Salsa:
🍉 2 cups diced watermelon
🧅 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
🌿 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
🌿 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
🍋 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
🌶️ 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
🧂 Pinch of salt
For the Bowl Base:
🍚 2 cups cooked quinoa, rice, or farro
🥬 2 cups mixed greens
Optional Garnishes:
🌿 Fresh mint or cilantro leaves
🍋 Lime wedges
Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
3️⃣ Prepare the Watermelon-Mint Salsa:
In a mixing bowl, combine diced watermelon, red onion, mint, cilantro (if using), lime juice, jalapeño (if desired), and a pinch of salt. Gently toss to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
4️⃣ Assemble the Bowls:
Start with a base of quinoa, rice, or farro in each bowl. Add a layer of mixed greens.
Top with slices of lime chili chicken and a generous serving of watermelon-mint salsa.
5️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh mint or cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges for extra zest.