Creating Southwest Grilled Chicken Bowls is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly in the marinade. Allow them to sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Once done, remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
3. Prepare the Base: While the chicken is resting, prepare your base by cooking quinoa or brown rice according to the package instructions.
4. Grill the Vegetables: If desired, grill the corn and diced red bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly charred. This adds a nice flavor!
5. Assemble the Bowls: Slice the grilled chicken into strips. In each bowl, place a serving of quinoa or brown rice as your base.
6. Add Toppings: Layer on the grilled corn, diced red bell pepper, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and black beans.
7. Finish with Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top for added flavor and freshness. Drizzle lime juice over the ingredients.
8. Optional Topping: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if you desire a creamy texture.
9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your beautifully arranged Southwest Grilled Chicken Bowls!