Customizing A Chicken Power Bowl At Taco Bell

The Chicken Power Bowl from Taco Bell is a delicious and customizable meal that you can make as mild or fiery as you like. With a hearty base of seasoned rice and black beans, the bowl offers a perfect balance of flavor and fullness. The star of the show, the chicken, is grilled to perfection with just the right amount of spice. Layer on the toppings, such as lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, and jalapeños for an added kick. For those who crave variety, the bowl can be made gluten-free, keto-friendly, or even vegetarian and vegan by swapping out certain ingredients. With its high protein content and customizable options, the Chicken Power Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying choice for any palate.

Start with a base of seasoned rice and black beans

When building your own Chicken Power Bowl at Taco Bell, it's important to start with a solid base. Every Power Bowl begins with a hearty foundation of seasoned rice and black beans. This combination not only adds flavour but also keeps you full for longer. The rice and beans form the base of the bowl, providing a canvas for the rest of the ingredients.

Seasoned rice is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is often flavoured with spices such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic. At Taco Bell, the rice is carefully prepared to achieve the perfect balance of spices, creating a flavourful base that complements the other ingredients in the bowl. Black beans, on the other hand, provide a rich source of protein and fibre, making the bowl a satisfying and nutritious option.

When preparing the rice and beans, it is recommended to cook the rice separately and then mix it with the seasoned black beans. This ensures that the flavours of the spices infuse well with the rice grains. You can also add a small amount of vegetable oil or butter to the rice for a richer flavour and smoother texture.

The ratio of rice to beans is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a higher proportion of rice, while others opt for more beans. Experiment with different ratios to find your ideal balance. Additionally, for those who are watching their carbohydrate intake, cauliflower rice can be used as a low-carb alternative, and for an even more protein-rich option, you can swap out the black beans for kidney beans.

Once you have prepared the seasoned rice and black beans, it's time to move on to the next step of building your Chicken Power Bowl. Remember, the beauty of the Chicken Power Bowl is its customisability, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Add chicken

Now it's time to add the chicken, the star of the show! Taco Bell's grilled chicken is seasoned to perfection, offering a savoury, spicy kick. You can use store-bought grilled chicken or season your own chicken cutlets with olive oil, chilli powder, cumin, salt and pepper, and bake in the oven. Layer the chicken generously on top of your rice and bean base.

If you're making your own chicken, first preheat your oven to 425 F. Rub your chicken cutlets with olive oil, chilli powder and cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken. Once cooked, remove from the oven and slice. You can also use steak, ground beef or shrimp as an alternative to chicken.

For a vegetarian option, you can skip the chicken and add extra beans or tofu. If you're a fan of spice, you could also toss in some jalapeños to add some heat.

Chicken power bowls are a great source of protein, with fire-grilled chicken bowls containing 26 grams of protein, and shredded chicken bowls containing 22 grams.

Choose toppings like lettuce, cheese, and pico de gallo

Now that you have your base of seasoned rice and black beans, along with the grilled chicken, it's time to add some toppings! Fresh lettuce adds a nice crunch to your bowl, so be sure to include some. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add shredded purple cabbage for extra texture and flavour.

Next up, cheese! A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese will give your bowl that signature Taco Bell melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don't be afraid to add a little extra if you're a cheese lover.

To really bring your bowl to life, add some pico de gallo. This fresh, zesty salsa is made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, giving your bowl a burst of flavour and a nice kick. If you're making your own, you can adjust the ingredients to your taste.

You can also add other toppings like bell peppers, corn, and even jalapeños if you like it spicy. Don't forget to finish your bowl with a drizzle of your favourite sauce, like spicy ranch or avocado ranch. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Power Bowl!

Customise with heat: jalapeños, spicy ranch sauce, or guacamole

Now, let's talk about adding some spice to your chicken power bowl. If you like your food hot, jalapeños are a great way to add some heat and a punch of flavour. Alternatively, you could drizzle on some spicy ranch sauce for a similar effect. If you're a fan of creamy textures, guacamole is another option to bring some spice to your bowl. You can make your own guacamole by mashing avocado with lime juice, or you can use store-bought guacamole.

The beauty of the Chicken Power Bowl is that you can customise it to your exact preferences. If you like your food very mild, you can skip the jalapeños and spicy sauce and stick to the guacamole for a gentle kick. On the other hand, if you like your food fiery, you can add both jalapeños and spicy ranch sauce to your bowl. You can even add other spicy ingredients, like chilli powder or cayenne pepper, to really turn up the heat.

In terms of quantity, the amount of spice you add will depend on your personal preference. If you like your food very hot, you might want to add a generous amount of jalapeños and drizzle on a large portion of spicy ranch sauce. If you're just looking for a gentle kick, a smaller amount of spice will suffice. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it's difficult to take it away, so it's best to start with a smaller amount and increase as needed.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of spicy ingredients to find your perfect Chicken Power Bowl. You can also ask for recommendations from the staff at Taco Bell, who will be able to suggest popular combinations of spicy ingredients. Whether you like your food mild or spicy, the customisability of the Chicken Power Bowl means you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for your taste buds.

Make it vegetarian or vegan

To make a Chicken Power Bowl vegetarian or vegan at Taco Bell, you'll need to skip the chicken and choose your toppings carefully. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Start with the Base

Begin with a base of seasoned rice and black beans. This combination offers a hearty and flavorful foundation for your power bowl. Both seasoned rice and black beans are vegan-friendly options, so you're good to go on this step!

Step 2: Choose Your Protein

Instead of chicken, you can opt for vegetarian-friendly proteins like beans or tofu. Taco Bell has also tested vegan meat options, such as their Vegan Crunchwrap, which featured cow-free beef made from soy and pea protein. Keep an eye out for their innovative vegan protein options!

Step 3: Add Toppings

Now, it's time to load up on toppings! Here are some vegetarian and vegan options to consider:

• Lettuce: Fresh and crisp, lettuce adds a nice crunch to your bowl.
• Pico de Gallo: This fresh and zesty salsa will give your bowl a burst of flavor.
• Guacamole: Taco Bell's guacamole is vegan-friendly, so go ahead and add some creamy avocado goodness to your bowl.
• Potatoes: Potatoes can add a hearty and satisfying element to your bowl.
• Fiesta Strips: For a crunchy texture, toss in some Fiesta Strips.

Step 4: Sauce it Up

Choose a sauce that complements your bowl. Here are some vegan-friendly options:

• All four Border sauces (mild, hot, Fire, and Diablo)
• Breakfast Salsa
• Red Sauce
• Avocado Salsa Verde
• Guacamole (as a sauce or dip)

Step 5: Extra Kick (Optional)

If you like it spicy, you can add some jalapeños or go for a drizzle of Taco Bell's spicy ranch sauce. However, note that the Avocado Ranch sauce contains dairy, so it's not suitable for vegans.

And there you have it! You've created a delicious and satisfying vegetarian or vegan Chicken Power Bowl at Taco Bell. Enjoy your customized meal, knowing that it's animal-friendly and tailored just for you.

Frequently asked questions