Baja Bowl with Chicken from Panera Bread features tender grilled chicken, seasoned black beans, fresh corn, cilantro-lime rice, and shredded cheddar cheese, topped with zesty avocado crema and vibrant pico de gallo, offering a colorful and flavorful Mexican-inspired meal.
Equipments
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowls
- Saucepan
- Rice Cooker or Pot
- Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Can Opener
- Citrus Juicer
- Food Processor or Blender (for avocado crema)
- Grater (for cheese, if not pre-shredded)
- Serving Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 cup canned black beans
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 small jalapeño
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 roma tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small jalapeño
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
Chicken breast should be trimmed and patted dry before seasoning with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for optimal flavor absorption. Use canned black beans and fresh or frozen corn kernels, drained and rinsed if necessary, to ensure the right texture in the bowl. Fresh cilantro and lime juice enhance the cilantro-lime rice and pico de gallo, providing authentic taste balance. For the avocado crema, blend ripe avocado with sour cream, garlic, jalapeno, lime juice, and salt until smooth to achieve the characteristic creamy and zesty topping. Your copycat Baja Bowl with Chicken from Panera Bread will feature these key ingredients layered perfectly for a vibrant Mexican-inspired meal.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat chicken breasts with spice mixture.
- Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Let chicken rest, then slice.
- Rinse and drain black beans; warm them in a saucepan.
- Heat corn kernels in a saucepan until just tender.
- In a pot or rice cooker, combine rice and water (or chicken broth), bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked.
- Fluff rice and stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice.
- In a blender or food processor, blend avocado, sour cream, 1 clove garlic, 1/2 small jalapeño, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth to make avocado crema.
- For pico de gallo, dice roma tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño, and mix with 1 tablespoon lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Shred cheddar cheese if needed.
- In serving bowls, layer cilantro-lime rice, black beans, corn, and sliced grilled chicken.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and avocado crema.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Making your own Baja Bowl with Chicken from Panera Bread at home allows you to customize ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. If fresh corn is unavailable, canned or frozen corn kernels work just as well without compromising flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version, and swap cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative if needed. When preparing avocado crema, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat option. Remember to taste your seasoning and adjust lime juice or jalapeno quantity to match your desired level of spice and zest.
Tips
Ensure the grill or grill pan is properly preheated to medium-high heat to achieve the perfect sear on your chicken breast for tender and juicy results. Rinse the black beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and heat gently to maintain their texture without overcooking. When cooking rice, using chicken broth instead of water can enhance the flavor while fluffing it with a fork prevents clumping. Blend the avocado crema ingredients until smooth to achieve a creamy consistency that complements the zesty notes of your Baja Bowl perfectly.
Nutritions
The Baja Bowl with Chicken from Panera Bread provides a balanced nutritional profile with lean protein from grilled chicken breasts, complex carbohydrates from cilantro-lime rice and black beans, and healthy fats in avocado crema. Rich in fiber and antioxidants, black beans and corn contribute to digestive health and support immune function. The avocado adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the combination of spices offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Your meal delivers essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, calcium from shredded cheddar cheese, and potassium, supporting overall wellness and energy.
Storage
Store leftover Baja Bowl with Chicken components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep grilled chicken and cooked rice refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. Your avocado crema and pico de gallo should be used within 1-2 days due to their fresh ingredients, especially avocado and lime juice.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap grilled chicken breast with grilled shrimp or tofu cubes for a different protein source while maintaining the bowl's Mexican-inspired flavor profile. Substitute cilantro-lime rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter or gluten-free option. For added crunch and nutrition, consider topping the bowl with toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips. If you prefer a smoky twist, roast the corn kernels instead of sauteing to deepen the flavor complexity.
Allergies
The Baja Bowl with Chicken from Panera Bread contains common allergens such as dairy from shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, which may affect individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The presence of black beans and corn could potentially cause reactions in people with legume or corn allergies. Be sure to check ingredient labels and notify your server if you have specific food allergies to avoid any adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Baja Bowl with Chicken from Panera Bread combines tender, seasoned chicken with fresh, vibrant ingredients like black beans, corn, and avocado crema, offering a flavorful and balanced meal. The bowl's blend of protein, fiber, and healthy fats makes it a nutritious choice that satisfies hunger without feeling heavy. You'll appreciate the bold Mexican-inspired flavors, which are both comforting and invigorating. Recreating this dish at home allows you to customize ingredients and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the cost.