Southwest Chicken Bowls

I'm reposting this recipe because it's my all time favorite and as the weather warms up it's a MUST to keep in your rotation.  The aioli is really the star of the show and everyone can make theirs "to order" which is always a plus.  If you try these I'd love to hear what you think and if you already make them thanks to my original post I'd love to hear how/why you love them!  

Step 1 - Grill your chicken breasts and some corn (you can use frozen corn... but grilled is always the way to go in my opinion), slice the corn off the cob and slice/dice up the chicken.

Step 2 - While the chicken is cooking, cook 1 1/2 cups basmati rice.  I'd follow your package directions, but here's what works for me...  I run water over the rice until it runs clear, then put the 1.5 cups of rice into a sauce pan with 3 cups water.  Heat it to boiling, then reduce it to low, cover and let it simmer for 15 minutes.  Remove it from the heat and let it sit for about 3 minutes, then fluff it with a fork.  

Step 3 - Chop up a BUNCH of cilantro until you have 1/2 cup.  Throw the 1/2 cup chopped cilantro into the rice with 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice and 1 teaspoon olive oil.

This is the chopper that I use - it's AWESOME!

Step 4 - Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 4tablespoons of chopped cilantro, 3 teaspoons lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 4 teaspoons of water.  Whisk it all together and then throw in some salt and pepper to taste.  I know it sounds weird but it is SO SO SO GOOD!!!  TRUST ME!!!

Last step - make the bowl!!!  I put in a scoop or so of rice, grilled chicken, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado and some cheese.  Top it off with the aioli and enjoy!

This is the cheese that we used and it was SO GOOD!!! Any cheese of your choice would work well.

I really can't explain how great these bowls are.  The aioli totally makes it and I love how customizable they are.  I prepped everything one day and have had multiple lunches from it which has been great.  You could easily make a double batch of the rice and then set out all of the toppings and let guests make their own bowls... I'd just make sure you had enough aioli for everyone.  Dave grilled the chicken  - but you could just as easily use fajita steak, those pre-cooked refrigerated chicken strips, seasoned grilled shrimp, etc.  You could also add in sliced diced red onion, sliced jalapenos, etc.  

I hope you enjoy the recipe and if you end up making it I'd love to know what you think!

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