Copycat Panera Baja Bowl with Lemon Pepper Chicken
A protein-packed grain bowl featuring marinated lemon pepper chicken breast served over brown rice and red quinoa with black beans, corn, grape tomatoes, and fresh toppings. This healthier homemade version of Panera's popular bowl combines Mediterranean and southwestern flavors through feta cheese, salsa verde, and Greek yogurt. Perfect for meal prep or a satisfying lunch that delivers both nutrition and bold taste in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups lemon pepper marinade, 12.25-ounce bottleolive oil + lemon juice + black pepper0.75 cup oil + 0.25 cup lemon juice + 2 tsp pepperhomemade
fresher taste
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained
- 1 15-ounce can corn, drained
- 1 cup brown rice, cooked
- ½ cup red quinoa, cooked
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved, 8-ounce container
- ¼ cup salsa verde
- ¼ cup feta crumblesqueso fresco1:1milder cheese
authentic Mexican flavor
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup unsweetened plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- 1
Add chicken breasts and marinade to a large bag and marinate in refrigerator for at least 2 hours
- 2
Combine black beans and corn in a medium bowl and set aside
- 3
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- 4
Place marinated chicken on foil-wrapped baking sheet and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit
- 5
Remove chicken from oven and slice
- 6
Assemble bowls by placing rice, quinoa, and bean mixture in large bowls
- 7
Top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, salsa verde, feta, avocado, and Greek yogurt
Tips
Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor penetration and more tender results.
Cook grains in advance and store refrigerated for quick weekday bowl assembly.
Keep avocado from browning by adding it just before serving or tossing with lime juice.
Good to Know
Assembled bowls keep 2-3 days refrigerated but add avocado just before eating.
Cook grains and marinate chicken up to 2 days ahead. Assemble day of serving.
Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled from refrigerator.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip marinating time to avoid dry, flavorless chicken.
Don't overcook chicken to avoid tough, dry texture.
Don't add avocado too early to avoid browning and mushy texture.
Substitutions
fresher taste
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Yes, use about 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken. Skip the marinating and baking steps for quicker assembly.
What if I don't have red quinoa?
Regular white or tri-color quinoa works perfectly. Cook according to package directions for same texture and nutrition.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Assembled bowls last 2-3 days refrigerated, but add fresh avocado just before eating to prevent browning.