Bowl food is all the rage at the moment and for good reason. It’s easy to assemble and typically filled with the most delicious ingredients like this spicy chicken and vegetable rice bowl.
This recipe is a lovely twist on the traditional chicken and vegetable bowl as I’ve used Harissa powder or paste to add a little flair, spice and flavor to the chicken. Harissa is an aromatic and spicy chili paste or powder that is traditionally used in African or Middle Eastern cooking. It’s become quite popular in the U.S. in the last few years and it’s now easily found in most markets. I think Harissa makes a nice change in flavor to curry or sriracha.
I’ve paired this Harissa seared chicken with carrots, zucchini, red peppers and I’ve included diced pineapple to balance the flavors. To finish off the dish, I’ve topped this recipe with sunflower seeds, fresh cilantro and then a drizzle of avocado lime dressing. On occasion, I’ll substitute some of the ingredients with wilted greens, spinach, tomatoes, green onions, radishes and mandarin oranges.
This spicy chicken and vegetable rice bowl definitely nourishes the body and delights the senses. Which is what good food is all about, right?
It’s been a busy winter and I haven’t posted here as often as I’d like. It’ll be another few weeks before I post again because I’m moving! Yep, again. We’re moving just up the road a few miles to a new house, but we’re still located in the lovely Willamette Valley. When I’m in and settled, I hope to tape some cooking videos in the new kitchen! I’m not terribly tech savvy so we shall se how it goes. 😉 In the meantime, I’ll be posting on Instagram and Facebook so you can keep up with all the deliciousness on my social media.
I wish you all a very happy, healthy and delicious spring!
Love,
Karista
Spicy Chicken and Vegetable Rice Bowl with Avocado Lime Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup diced chicken, either breast or dark meat
- 1 teaspoon Harissa powder or Harissa paste (easily found in most markets)
- 1 Avocado
- 1 lime, juiced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons water, optional
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice, warm
- ½ cup shredded or diced carrots
- ½ cup diced zucchini, not cooked
- ¼ cup diced red pepper
- ¼ cup diced pineapple
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a sauté pan over medium high heat add the 2 tablespoons of oil. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper and then toss with the harissa paste or powder.
- Add the seasoned diced chicken to the sauté pan and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a platter.
- In a small food processer or blender, add the avocado, lime juice, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, garlic clove, olive oil and white wine vinegar. Pulse until the dressing is smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If you’d like the dressing a bit thinner in consistency, add 1-2 tablespoons of water until you’ve reached desired consistency.
- To assemble, place one cup of warm rice into each bowl. Top with cooked chicken, carrots, zucchini, red pepper, pineapple, sunflower seeds and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with the avocado lime dressing and serve immediately.
[…] I find myself making all sorts of bowl food for dinner. On occasion it shows up for lunch like my Easy Spicy Chicken Vegetable and Rice Bowl or my Spring Roll […]