Southwest Chicken and Rice Bowls with Fresh Salsa and Lime Crema

These Southwest chicken and rice bowls are all about building your own perfect bite. Start with a base of aromatic turmeric rice, then add juicy spiced chicken, a bright tomato salsa, and a cool lime sour cream. Every spoonful is a mix of textures and flavors.

This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Feel free to layer the components in any order you like—crema on the bottom, rice on top of chicken, or a drizzle of hot sauce over everything. It’s a fun, DIY dinner that everyone can customize.

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Ingredients

10 ounce Chopped Chicken BreastView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Jasmine RiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Chicken Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon TurmericView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Long Green PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit TomatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LimeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Southwest Spice BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Hot SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. In a small pot, combine 1 cup water, jasmine rice, chicken stock concentrate, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and keep covered.
2. While rice cooks, pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and half the Southwest spice blend. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and let rest, then slice or shred.
3. Meanwhile, make the salsa: dice tomato, thinly slice green pepper, and chop scallions (white and green parts). In a bowl, combine tomato, green pepper, scallions, a squeeze of lime juice, and salt to taste.
4. Prepare lime crema: in a small bowl, mix sour cream with remaining lime juice and a pinch of salt. Stir in hot sauce if desired.
5. To serve, divide rice among bowls. Top with chicken, salsa, and a dollop of lime crema. Drizzle with extra hot sauce if you like.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Small pot with lid

SENSARTE Nonstick Saucepan with Lid, 1.5 Quarts Small Pot with Swiss Granite Coating, Stay-cool Handle, Multipurpose Handy Sauce Pot Small Kitchen Cooking Pot, Induction Comptable, PFOA FreeView on AmazonCuisinart 1.5 Quart Sauce Pan with Cover, Stainless Steel Pot with Lid, Small Kitchen Pots, Dishwasher Safe, Compatible with Induction, Electric, Gas Cooktops, Oven Safe Saucepan, Cool Grip HandlesView on AmazonP&P CHEF 1 Quart Saucepan Small Pot, Stainless Steel Saucepan with Lid, Small Sauce Pan for Home Kitchen Restaurant Cooking, Visible Glass lid & Bakelite Heat-Proof Handles,Dishwasher Safe, 1 PcView on Amazon

Large skillet

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker/Saute Pan with Helper Handle -Aluminum, 6 Quart, BlueView on AmazonTramontina Professional 14-Inch Non Stick Extra Large Frying Pan, Heavy-Gauge Aluminum Skillet with Reinforced Nonstick Coating, Red Handle, Dishwasher and Oven SafeView on Amazon

Cutting board

Astercook Deep-Carbonized Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen with Wood Storage Stand, Reversible Charcuterie & Chopping Boards with Juice Grooves and Easy-Grip Handles, Fathers Day Gift for MenView on AmazonZeawec 3-Piece Set Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen - Crack-Resistant Wood Chopping Boards with Deep Juice Grooves, Pre-Oiled Butcher Block for Meat, Vegetables & Cheese, CarbonizedView on AmazonTitanium Cutting Board for Kitchen, Cutting Board Double Sided Food Grade, Pure Titanium/PP, Easy to Clean Large Size 15”×10.3”View on Amazon

Knife

Legal Pocket Knife with 2.95” Serrated Blade, Glass Breaker, Seat Belt Cutter - EDC Sharp Folding Knives with Portable Clip - Small Tool for Tactical Camping Survival Hiking - Gifts for Men 6680View on AmazonSmith & Wesson Accessories Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in S.S. Folding Knife with 3.1in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDCView on AmazonAmazon Basics Classic 8-inch Full Tang High Carbon Stainless Steel Chef's Knife, Multipurpose Kitchen Knife with Three Rivets, SilverView on Amazon

Mixing bowls

Umite Chef Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids Set, 8PCS Stainless Steel Nesting Bowls with Grater Attachments, Non-Slip Bottoms, 5, 4, 3.5, 2, 1.5QT for Mixing & ServingView on AmazonThickened Heavy-Duty 26pcs Stainless Steel Bowl, Mixing Bowl Set with Lid, Grater Attachment, Non-Slip Bottom and Kitchen Gadget Set, Sizes 7, 4, 2.5, 2.0, 1.5, 1QT, Ideal for Mixing and ServingView on AmazonWHYSKO Meal Prep Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl (5-Piece Set) Home, Refrigerator, and Kitchen Food Storage Organizers | Ecofriendly, Heavy Duty, No LidsView on Amazon

Measuring spoons

Measuring Spoons, Premium Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons Cups Set, Small Tablespoon with Metric and US Measurements, Set of 6 for Measuring Dry and Liquid IngredientsView on AmazonTILUCK Measuring Cups & Spoons Set, Stackable Cups and Spoons, Nesting Measure Cups with Stainless Steel Handle, Kitchen Gadgets for Cooking & Baking (Black)View on AmazonSpring Chef Stainless Steel Magnetic Measuring Spoons Set with Strong N45 Magnets, Heavy Duty Metal Kitchen Gadgets for Baking & Cooking, Fits in Most Kitchen Spice Jars, Set of 8 with Leveler, BlackView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute with shrimp, tofu, or ground beef. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative works well as a substitute.

How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat rice and chicken before assembling.