If you’re a fan of Panera’s Baja bowl, you’re in for a treat with this homemade copycat recipe! This Baja bowl with chicken is a delicious combination of protein, fiber, and flavor. It’s versatile enough for dinner, lunch, or meal prep.
This Baja bowl recipe draws inspiration from Panera’s grain bowl menu. Following the success of my Mediterranean grain bowls recipe, I couldn’t resist trying out the Baja bowl.
Surprisingly, these bowls are a breeze to prepare at home. While the ingredient list may seem long, the process is relatively straightforward. If you prefer a shortcut, you can use store-bought rice and quinoa blend and canned corn salsa.
No matter how you choose to make them, these Baja bowls with chicken are a satisfying and nutritious meal, rich in protein and fiber, sure to please the whole family.
Understanding the Baja Bowl
A Baja bowl takes its inspiration from Mexican cuisine and is a popular offering at Panera restaurants. It comprises a mixture of rice and quinoa, grilled chicken, avocado, corn, black beans, tomatoes, yogurt, and salsa verde.
This recipe offers a simplified take on the beloved restaurant dish.
Ingredients & Substitutions for Baja Bowls
To recreate the copycat Panera Baja grain bowl, gather the following ingredients:
- Brown Rice – You can use white rice for the cilantro lime grain mixture if you prefer.
- Quinoa – White quinoa is used in this recipe, but any variety will work.
- Lime – Lime juice and zest add zing to the grain mixture.
- Coriander – Provides flavor to the rice and quinoa.
- Fresh Cilantro – Enhances the grains and completes the bowls.
- Chicken – Adds protein to the dish.
- Black Beans – Canned beans are suitable for the corn and black bean salad.
- Corn – Frozen or canned corn can be used.
- Tomatoes – Choose grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or chop up whole tomatoes.
- Avocado – Incorporates healthy fats. Guacamole is an alternative if ripe avocados are unavailable.
- Salsa Verde – Adds spice and flavor. Any salsa of your choice can be substituted if salsa verde isn’t available.
- Greek Yogurt – Balances the spiciness of salsa and provides extra protein and healthy fats. Sour cream can also be used.
Although it’s not included in the original recipe, you can sprinkle Cotija or feta cheese on top for additional protein and flavor.
Dietary Modifications
To make these bowls gluten-free, no adaptations are necessary; they are naturally gluten-free.
For a dairy-free version, simply omit the Greek yogurt.
Preparing the Panera Baja Bowl
Here’s how you can make the Panera Baja grain bowls with chicken at home:
