Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
If there’s one dish I’ll gladly eat for lunch or dinner any day of the week, it’s a Chicken Burrito Bowl. With its hearty, colorful layers, bold seasoning, and irresistible mix of flavors and textures, this customizable bowl truly hits every comfort-food note while packing in a burst of freshness. Whether you’re meal-prepping for busy weekdays, serving a crowd, or simply craving something vibrant, this Chicken Burrito Bowl delivers big on taste, nutrition, and convenience—all in just about 30 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind a mouthwatering Chicken Burrito Bowl is the simplicity of its ingredients, each bringing something unique—zesty, smoky, crunchy, or creamy—to your bowl. Every component is chosen with intention, so don’t skip the “little things” that make all the difference!
- Chicken breasts: Lean, juicy, and packed with protein, they’re the flavorful foundation of your bowl.
- Olive oil: Helps seal in flavor and moisture while giving the chicken a gorgeous golden sear.
- Chili powder: Delivers that unmistakable Tex-Mex warmth and just a touch of gentle heat.
- Cumin: Adds earthy, aromatic notes that round out the spice blend perfectly.
- Smoked paprika: Gives the chicken a deep smoky complexity—don’t skip it if you have it!
- Garlic powder: Ensures every bite of chicken is laced with garlicky goodness.
- Onion powder: Provides a mellow, slightly sweet background flavor.
- Salt: Essential for balancing all the other flavors and really making them pop.
- Black pepper: Lends a bit of bite and brings everything together.
- Cooked white or brown rice: The base of your bowl—choose whichever you prefer for an ideal texture and flavor.
- Black beans: Creamy, hearty, and protein-packed; rinsed and ready to go straight from the can.
- Corn kernels: Sweet, juicy pops of color and freshness—use canned, frozen, or fresh.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of acidity and color in every bite.
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp, shredded greens bring cool crunch and balance to all the bold flavors.
- Avocado: Buttery slices add creamy richness (and those good-for-you fats!).
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, savory, and oh-so-satisfying when sprinkled over the warm chicken.
- Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of color and zippy, herbal flavor that brightens up the bowl.
- Lime juice: Just a squeeze ties everything together with a hit of citrusy zing.
- Optional toppings (sour cream, salsa, hot sauce): Perfect for customizing the bowl to your taste—add as much or as little as you like!
How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowl
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—this way, every chunk gets beautifully seasoned and cooks quickly. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated with that aromatic spice mixture; this step is the secret to infusing every bite of chicken with loads of flavor you’ll crave.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s just about smoking, then add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are completely cooked through and have a little bit of char on the edges. That golden, slightly crisp exterior is what separates a good Chicken Burrito Bowl from a truly great one!
Step 3: Get Your Ingredients Ready
While the chicken is sizzling, assemble the rest of your ingredients—warm up the rice if needed, drain and rinse your black beans, halve the cherry tomatoes, shred the lettuce, and slice your avocado. Have everything ready to go so the final assembly is a breeze and you can dig in while everything is still beautifully fresh and warm.
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Burrito Bowl
Start with a generous layer of rice as your base. Next, add the black beans, corn, and seared chicken—layered so every forkful gets a bit of everything. Add a colorful scatter of tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and finish with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese right over the warm ingredients so it melts charmingly into the bowl.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Squeeze plenty of fresh lime juice over the top and shower the bowl with chopped cilantro for a fresh, zesty finish. Customize your bowl with dollops of sour cream, spoons of salsa, or a drizzle of hot sauce—whatever your heart desires. Serve the Chicken Burrito Bowl warm for the ultimate comfort food experience!
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Bowl
Garnishes
Cilantro, fresh lime wedges, and an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese all make wonderful final touches. I love adding sliced jalapeños for a bit more kick, or a few radish slices for crunch and color. The beauty of the Chicken Burrito Bowl is in how easily it can be dressed up—to look as festive or as comforting as you like!
Side Dishes
Though this bowl is a complete meal on its own, it pairs delightfully with tortilla chips and guacamole, a tangy Mexican street corn salad, or even a side of sautéed peppers and onions. If you’re feeding a crowd, set out a topping bar with pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, and crema for a little extra fun and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, arrange a “burrito bowl bar” where everyone can build their own masterpiece. Or, serve mini Chicken Burrito Bowls in mason jars for meal prep or picnics—they’re as adorable as they are practical. If you’re feeling fancy, plate everything on a large platter for a colorful, shareable family-style meal that’s as much a feast for the eyes as the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the chicken, rice, beans, veggies, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This way, nothing gets soggy and everything stays as fresh and flavorful as possible. Just toss together what you need for quick lunches or dinners all week long!
Freezing
The chicken and rice components freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then pack servings into individual freezer-safe containers. Beans can also be frozen, but hold off on freezing the veggies or avocado—they’re best added fresh for that satisfying crunch and creaminess when you reheat your Chicken Burrito Bowl.
Reheating
When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken, rice, and beans in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add fresh veggies, cheese, and any other cold toppings after reheating to keep everything crisp, contrasting, and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein in my Chicken Burrito Bowl?
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully flexible—swap the chicken for grilled steak, sautéed shrimp, crispy tofu, or even roasted veggies if you’d like a vegetarian spin. The spice mix works great on almost anything.
Is it possible to make Chicken Burrito Bowls ahead for meal prep?
Yes! These bowls are meal-prep perfection. Prep and store all your components separately, then just assemble when you’re hungry. You can even pack them into containers for grab-and-go lunches—just add avocado and lettuce fresh.
What’s the best rice for a Chicken Burrito Bowl?
Both white and brown rice work beautifully—white rice is fluffy and classic, while brown rice offers a nutty flavor and extra fiber. For a twist, you can try quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even seasoned Mexican rice if you’d like to switch things up.
How can I make my Chicken Burrito Bowl even healthier?
To lighten things up, use brown rice or cauliflower rice, skip or reduce the cheese, and add extra veggies like bell peppers or shredded carrots. Greek yogurt makes a terrific high-protein alternative to sour cream for topping!
Can I serve Chicken Burrito Bowls cold?
If you prefer, you can absolutely enjoy these bowls cold—just prep all your ingredients in advance and assemble when ready. They make a delicious, protein-packed cold lunch, especially during warmer months.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Burrito Bowl enough—it’s such a fun, flavorful way to bring everyone to the table (and it’s endlessly customizable for any craving or occasion). Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on the fresh, punchy flavors and easy prep. I hope you love it as much as I do!
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Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that can be easily customized with your favorite toppings. Tender seasoned chicken, flavorful rice, and a variety of colorful vegetables make for a satisfying and nutritious dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce shredded
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- juice of 1 lime
- optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, hot sauce
Instructions
- Cut the chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, toss with seasonings.
- Cook the chicken: Cook in a skillet until fully cooked.
- Assemble the bowls: Layer rice, beans, corn, chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, and cheese in serving bowls.
- Finish and serve: Squeeze lime juice, sprinkle cilantro, add optional toppings, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can swap chicken for steak, shrimp, or tofu.
- Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice make great alternatives.
- Make-ahead tip: prep the chicken and toppings in advance for easy assembly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
