The Baja Bowl from Costa Vida features seasoned grilled chicken, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, fresh pico de gallo, and shredded cheddar cheese, topped with zesty salsa and creamy guacamole, all served in a vibrant and colorful bowl that balances bold flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Equipments
- Grill
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Rice cooker or pot
- Mixing bowls
- Can opener
- Spoon
- Ladle
- Serving bowl
- Tongs
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 jalapeño pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper
To achieve the authentic taste of the Baja Bowl from Costa Vida, use boneless, skinless chicken breast seasoned with 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and grilled to perfection with olive oil. Cook 1 cup of long grain white rice and mix in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a bright, flavorful base. Drain and rinse the 15 oz can of black beans to reduce sodium content while maintaining their creamy texture. Prepare fresh pico de gallo by combining diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, and salt for a zesty topping. Your version of the Baja Bowl from Costa Vida copycat menu will shine by balancing these fresh, wholesome ingredients with zesty salsa and creamy guacamole.
Instructions
- **Instructions:**
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Coat chicken breasts with olive oil and taco seasoning.
- Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Remove chicken from grill; let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Rinse rice and cook in rice cooker or pot according to package instructions.
- Fluff cooked rice and mix with juice of 1 lime and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
- Drain and rinse black beans; heat in a saucepan until warmed.
- Make pico de gallo: combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, 2 tbsp cilantro, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl.
- Mash avocados with 1 tbsp lime juice, salt, and pepper to make guacamole.
- Shred cheddar cheese with a cheese grater.
- Assemble bowls: layer cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and grilled chicken slices.
- Top with pico de gallo, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, and guacamole.
- Serve immediately in a vibrant serving bowl.
Substitution
The Baja Bowl from Costa Vida copycat menu offers a delicious combination of grilled chicken, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, pico de gallo, shredded cheddar, salsa, and guacamole. You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option without altering the overall flavor profile. If fresh jalapeno is unavailable, canned green chilies or chili powder can add a similar mild heat to pico de gallo. When preparing rice, using a pot instead of a rice cooker works fine but requires careful water-to-rice ratio monitoring for perfect texture. Opt for store-bought guacamole or salsa if time is tight, but homemade versions will enhance freshness and taste.
Tips
Ensure your grill is properly preheated to medium-high before cooking the chicken to achieve a perfect sear and juicy interior. Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, resulting in fluffy, separate grains for your cilantro-lime rice base. When slicing grilled chicken, let it rest for at least 5 minutes to retain its moisture and tenderness. Use fresh lime juice in both the rice and guacamole to brighten flavors and prevent the avocado from browning, enhancing the overall freshness of your Baja Bowl.
Nutritions
The Baja Bowl from Costa Vida provides a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, with 1 lb of grilled chicken breast delivering approximately 100 grams of lean protein for muscle repair and satiety. Your cilantro-lime rice and black beans offer essential carbohydrates and a boost of dietary fiber, supporting digestion and sustained energy. Fresh pico de gallo and creamy guacamole enrich the meal with vitamins C, K, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from avocados, enhancing nutrient absorption. Shredded cheddar cheese contributes calcium and vitamin D, rounding out a nutrient-dense bowl that supports overall wellness.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying. Keep the cilantro-lime rice and black beans in separate containers to avoid sogginess, refrigerating them for up to 4 days. To preserve the vibrant flavors of pico de gallo and guacamole, store them in airtight containers with a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to minimize browning; use within 1-2 days for optimal taste.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the chicken breast for grilled shrimp or tofu to add variety and accommodate different dietary preferences. For the rice, try using brown rice or quinoa to increase fiber and nutrients. Mix diced mango or pineapple into the pico de gallo for a sweet, tropical twist that complements the spicy jalapeno. Instead of cheddar, consider a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or a dollop of sour cream for a creamier texture.
Allergies
The Baja Bowl from Costa Vida contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese and potential cross-contamination risks with taco seasoning blends. Black beans and fresh ingredients like jalapeno peppers may cause sensitivity or allergic reactions in some individuals. You should carefully check ingredient labels and consult with restaurant staff if you have specific food allergies.
Why this recipe?
The Baja Bowl from Costa Vida features a flavorful combination of grilled chicken, fresh avocado, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and tangy baja sauce that delivers a satisfying balance of taste and nutrition. You can recreate this popular menu item at home while customizing ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a versatile and healthier alternative to fast food. The use of vibrant, fresh ingredients like pico de gallo and shredded cheese adds a burst of flavor that is both authentic and reminiscent of Baja California cuisine. Copycat recipes allow you to enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish anytime without sacrificing quality or freshness.