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Vibrant Rosca De Reyes Bowl Recipe with Easy Lemon-Herb Chicken

rosca de reyes bowl recipe - featured image

A fresh, savory nourish bowl inspired by the traditional Mexican Rosca de Reyes pastry, featuring juicy lemon-herb chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, and vibrant veggies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (about 185 g cooked)
  • 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes, cubed (about 150 g)
  • 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds
  • ½ avocado, sliced
  • ¼ cup toasted pepitas or pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, chopped cilantro and parsley, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour in the fridge.
  2. Cook ½ cup (uncooked) quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions (about 15 minutes). Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and smoked paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is golden with a slight char.
  5. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
  6. Assemble the bowl by layering cooked quinoa or rice, baby spinach or mixed greens, roasted sweet potatoes, sliced avocado, and pomegranate seeds.
  7. Slice the cooked chicken and place on top of the bowl.
  8. Sprinkle toasted pepitas over the bowl and drizzle with the dressing. Toss gently if desired or serve layered.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes for best flavor; longer marinating (up to overnight) enhances taste. Use a hot pan to sear chicken but avoid burning herbs by adjusting heat. Slice chicken against the grain after resting to keep it tender. Keep dressing separate if packing for lunch to maintain greens crispness. Variations include swapping chicken for tofu or chickpeas for vegetarian/vegan options, and seasonal vegetable swaps.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rosca de Reyes, nourish bowl, lemon-herb chicken, quinoa bowl, healthy lunch, easy dinner, roasted sweet potatoes, gluten-free, dairy-free