Smoky meets zesty in the most delightful way. Introducing the Charred Tomato Salsa Chicken Bowl – where charred tomatoes tango with juicy grilled chicken, all in one vibrant bowl of deliciousness. And guess what? Clocking in under 40 minutes, it’s a quick culinary masterpiece. And if you’ve got some leftover chicken lying around, you’re in for an even faster treat! Let’s explore this flavor fiesta together, and I’ll share the secret of slotting it perfectly into your Reverse Meal Plan and Buddha Bowl repertoire.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Flavor Festival: The combination of charred tomato salsa, succulent grilled chicken, and crisp zucchini noodles isn’t just a mix; it’s a true flavor festival. Think of it as the meeting point of smoky depth and zesty liveliness.
- Effortless & Adaptable: Whether you’re vegan, keto, or just plain indecisive, this recipe’s got your back. It’s flexible enough to work with what you’ve got lurking in your pantry, and if you’ve got some leftover grilled chicken, you’re already halfway there.
- Nutrition-Packed: Not only does this bowl bring the flavor, but it’s also brimming with nutrients. From the protein-packed chicken to the vitamin-rich zucchini noodles, it’s a wholesome meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Reversing the Meal Plan: Savor Every Ingredient
Integrating the Charred Tomato Salsa Chicken Bowl into your Reverse Meal Plan not only adds flair to your meals but also champions the ethos of mindful consumption. Begin by taking a culinary tour of your own kitchen. Got some boneless chicken? Check. Ripe tomatoes lounging on the countertop? Perfect. Dive into your pantry next, and make friends with that bottle of olive oil, your garlic stash, and those ever-reliable spices.
Remember, with Reverse Meal Planning, it’s all about flipping the script: start with what you’ve got, then plan. Embrace the art of culinary resourcefulness and turn whatever’s available into a gourmet delight.
Now, in case you’re missing a star player or two, fret not. This recipe’s charm lies in its flexibility:
Ingredient Swaps and Subs:
- Grilled Chicken: If chicken’s not your jam today, give steak a whirl. Going green? Swap out chicken for plant-based stars like grilled tofu, tempeh, or majestic portobello mushrooms.
- Zucchini Noodles: Whether you’re carb-loving or carb-cautious, you’ve got options galore: rice, quinoa, couscous, farro, or the ever-versatile cauliflower rice.
- Crispy Onions: Up for a cheesy twist? Thinly sliced cheese, baked to crispy perfection, can be your golden ticket. Or, if you’re feeling that south-of-the-border vibe, crushed tortilla chips bring both the crunch and the fiesta!
Build Your Charred Tomato Salsa Buddha Bowl:
A Buddha Bowl, known for its wholesome, balanced combination of grains, proteins, veggies, and a flavorful sauce or dressing,embodies the ideal meal in one bowl. The Charred Tomato Salsa Chicken Bowl is a prime example of this nourishing concept.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect Charred Tomato Salsa Chicken Buddha Bowl:
- Base Up with Zoodles: Begin with a refreshing bed of zoodles, laying a low-carb, vibrant green foundation.
- Saucy Salsa Layers: Drizzle the Charred Tomato Salsa over your zoodles, where the roasted tomatoes and fiery jalapenos harmonize for a perfect blend.
- Chicken – The Protein Punch: Lay out the juicy, tender strips of seasoned chicken. Marinated in smoky spices, this chicken takes center stage with its hearty flavor profile.
- Crunch and Color with Fried Onions: Introduce a delightful crunch with crispy fried onions, offering a tantalizing contrast to the softer textures in the bowl.
- Cilantro Freshness: Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, introducing a burst of herby brightness that ties all the flavors together.
Serving Up Solutions: The Chicken Bowl FAQ
Store-Bought Salsa – Yay or Nay?
While store-bought salsas can be a time-saver, the homemade Charred Tomato Salsa is where the magic truly lies. Its rich smoky depth adds a unique touch to the bowl. If you do go the homemade route (which I highly recommend!), consider making a bigger batch. Freeze the surplus to ensure you’ve got this delightful salsa at your fingertips for future creations and more Reverse Meal Plan adventures!
Bone-In Chicken: Is It Bowl-Worthy?
Though boneless chicken is the go-to for its straightforward grilling and dishing out convenience, don’t let that stop you from using bone-in chicken if that’s what you have on hand. Just be vigilant with your grilling times to guarantee every bite is succulent and perfectly cooked.
Prepping Charred Tomato Salsa Ahead: A Wise Move?
Absolutely! If you’re planning ahead, the charred tomato salsa welcomes early preparation. Just stash it in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. If you’re thinking even further ahead, pop it into the freezer. This foresight not only ensures you’re ever-ready but also shaves off valuable time when you’re piecing the bowl together.
Check Out Our Other Low Carb Buddha Bowls:
- Korean Zucchini Noodles Recipe
- Cilantro Lime Shrimp Bowl WIth Cilantro Jalapeño Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Buddha Bowl Recipe WIth Sweet & Tangy Mango Sauce Recipe
Charred Tomato Salsa Chicken Bowl with Charred Tomato Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
Charred Tomato Salsa : Yields 1 ½ cups
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 roma tomatoes
- 1 jalapeno
- ¼ large red onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 small bunch fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Chicken Bowl
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ lbs. chicken breasts Boneless, skinless , cut into thin strips
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 oz zoodles
To Serve:
- Crispy Fried Onions
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Make tomato salsa. In a large saute pan over medium heat add oil, whole tomatoes, whole jalapeno, onion, and garlic cloves. Rotate the vegetables until blistered and charred all over, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the cloves (remove them).
- Add all charred ingredients, plus the rest of the ingredients to a blender. Pulse until desired consistency. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper.
- To the same saute pan, over medium-high heat, add additional olive oil and the chicken strips. Sprinkle with all seasonings and toss to coat evenly. Pour salsa over chicken and cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- To your bowls add your zoodles, salsa chicken, cilantro, and crispy fried onions.
