Chicken Burrito Bowls are a colorful, customizable dish that combines all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors in one convenient, delicious bowl. With perfectly seasoned chicken, tender rice, hearty beans, and a variety of fresh veggies, these bowls are not only easy to prepare, but they’re also perfect for meal prep and can be adjusted to suit any personal taste preferences.
Why This Recipe Will Become a Favorite
- Customizable to Your Taste: Add or omit ingredients based on your preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make these bowls in advance for a quick, healthy meal later in the week.
- Packed with Nutrients: High in protein, fiber, and fresh flavors, making them both healthy and satisfying.
- A Healthier Alternative: These bowls are a healthier option compared to takeout versions, providing you with more control over the ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Great for serving a large group, and even picky eaters can enjoy their favorite toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Taco seasoning or homemade spice blend
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Black beans or pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- Corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- Cherry tomatoes or salsa
- Shredded lettuce or chopped romaine
- Avocado or guacamole
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, coat the chicken with olive oil and taco seasoning. Allow the chicken to marinate for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors (optional but recommended for a more intense taste). - Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or cubes. - Prepare the Bowl Ingredients
While the chicken is cooking, start prepping your bowl ingredients. Warm the rice and beans, chop the veggies, and set aside your toppings. - Assemble the Bowls
Begin by layering the rice and beans at the bottom of each bowl. Add the corn, lettuce, and tomatoes, followed by the freshly sliced chicken. - Top with Toppings
Add a generous portion of cheese, avocado (or guacamole), sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice to each bowl. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness. Serve the bowls immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations to Suit Your Taste
- Spicy Kick: If you like some heat, consider adding jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, or spicy salsa for an extra fiery bite.
- Low-Carb Option: For a lighter version, substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or skip it entirely and opt for more veggies.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and instead add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or tofu for a tasty plant-based option.
- Chipotle-Inspired: Bring in chipotle sauce and cilantro-lime rice for a smoky, flavorful twist on the classic burrito bowl.
- Breakfast Style: For a fun morning twist, top your bowl with scrambled eggs and roasted breakfast potatoes to kick-start your day.
Storage and Reheating
- Storing: Store the components of the bowls separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the rice, beans, and chicken in the microwave or on a skillet before assembling your bowl.
- Fresh Toppings: To maintain their freshness, add toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado just before serving.
Chicken Burrito Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups shredded lettuce or chopped romaine
- 1 avocado diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 lime wedges
Instructions
- In a bowl, coat chicken with olive oil and taco seasoning. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest and slice.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the rest of your bowl ingredients: warm the rice, beans, and corn. Chop the vegetables and get your toppings ready.
- Assemble the bowls by layering the rice, beans, corn, lettuce, tomatoes, and sliced chicken.
- Top with cheese, avocado or guacamole, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will infuse it with a delicious smoky flavor. Simply cook it on medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What type of rice works best for burrito bowls?
You can use any type of rice you prefer. White, brown, or even cilantro-lime rice all work wonderfully in burrito bowls. Choose based on your dietary preference or flavor profile.
Can I make the components ahead of time?
Yes, prepping the individual components in advance is a great way to save time. You can cook the rice, beans, and chicken beforehand, then assemble your bowls whenever you’re ready.
Are burrito bowls healthy?
Yes, especially when you make them at home! You can control the ingredients, portions, and eliminate any unnecessary added sugars or fats, making them a nutritious choice.
What toppings should I include?
Some great toppings for burrito bowls include avocado, cheese, salsa, corn, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeños, and a fresh squeeze of lime. Feel free to get creative with your favorites.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option! Simply shred or slice the chicken and season lightly before adding it to your bowl.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can be made gluten-free. Just ensure that your taco seasoning and any other ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
What protein options can I use instead of chicken?
You can swap chicken for other proteins such as steak, shrimp, ground turkey, or even tofu. Beans are a great plant-based protein option as well.
Can I freeze the components?
You can freeze the chicken, rice, and beans, but fresh toppings like lettuce, avocado, and tomatoes do not freeze well. Store these separately and add them just before serving.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
To prevent the chicken from drying out, be sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
Conclusion
Chicken Burrito Bowls are an excellent meal choice for any day of the week. They are quick to prepare, filled with vibrant flavors, and can easily be tailored to suit your preferences. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a quick dinner, these bowls offer a healthy, delicious alternative to takeout. With endless variations, you can enjoy a customizable, balanced, and flavorful meal each time.
