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Tex Mex Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Close-up of a Tex-Mex Chicken Quinoa Bowl with colorful veggies, black beans, quinoa, and shredded chicken, styled with a striped napkin and bamboo fork.
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A colorful, protein-packed bowl perfect for back-to-school lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Loaded with chicken, quinoa, black beans, and fresh veggies, it’s tossed in a zesty taco-inspired dressing for flavor kids and adults love. Make-ahead friendly and full of wholesome energy!

  • Author: Family Tree Foodie
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
  • 2 cups rotisserie chicken (cut or shredded depending on preference)
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or roasted)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or cotija crumbles)
  • ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING FOR DRESSING 

Homemade Taco Seasoning (makes ~1 tbsp):

  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp oregano
  • ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

DRESSING 

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Juice of 2 limes (~4 tbsp)
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning (from above mix)
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup 
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa, let cool completely.
  2. Chop or shred chicken.
  3. Prep and cut all vegetables and cilantro.
  4. In a large bowl, combine chicken, quinoa, beans, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, onion, cheese and cilantro.
  5. Make taco seasoning.
  6. Add oil, lime juice, taco seasoning and honey to medium size bowl. Whisk dressing until emulsified. Pour over salad and toss.

Notes

  • Boost Protein: Add an extra ½–1 cup of chicken or a scoop of cooked beans per serving for growing teens or anyone needing more fuel.

  • Lower Carbs: Reduce the quinoa slightly or swap for cauliflower rice to cut carbs without losing bulk.

  • Extra Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or shredded carrots increase fiber and nutrients without adding many calories.

  • Make it Kid-Friendly: Mild seasonings work best for picky eaters; you can always offer hot sauce on the side for adults.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 26 g

Find it online: https://familytreefoodie.com/tex-mex-chicken-quinoa-bowls/

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