A Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that brings together all the delicious elements of a traditional burrito without the tortilla. Packed with juicy chicken, rice, beans, fresh vegetables, and zesty seasonings, this dish is rich in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a meal prep option, or a satisfying family dinner, this Chicken Burrito Bowl is perfect for any occasion, offering a tasty and wholesome meal in every bite.
Preparation and Cooking Time
One of the best things about a Chicken Burrito Bowl is that it doesn’t take much time to prepare. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated time required:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
This quick and simple recipe ensures you can enjoy a homemade, restaurant-quality meal in under an hour. For another quick and flavorful option, check out the Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe, which is perfect for busy weeknights.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Easy Cooking
To make the cooking process smooth and efficient, it’s helpful to have the right kitchen tools on hand. Here are some essentials:
- Cutting board and sharp knife – For chopping vegetables and slicing chicken.
- Large skillet or pan – To cook the chicken and other ingredients evenly.
- Mixing bowls – For preparing ingredients like the seasoning mix and sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure the right balance of flavors.
- Rice cooker or saucepan – For cooking rice perfectly.
- Tongs or a spatula – To handle the chicken while cooking.
- Serving bowls – To present your burrito bowl beautifully.
With these tools, making a Chicken Burrito Bowl becomes an effortless and enjoyable experience.
Ingredients for a Perfect Chicken Burrito Bowl
To create a flavorful and satisfying burrito bowl, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onions
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
For the Chicken Burrito Bowl Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make a Chicken Burrito Bowl
A chicken burrito bowl is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings all the best burrito ingredients together—without the tortilla. Packed with juicy chicken, rice, beans, and fresh toppings, it’s a perfect meal for lunch or dinner. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious homemade chicken burrito bowl in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will be your Chicken Burrito Bowl seasoning.
- Rub the seasoning mix onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- If you haven’t cooked the rice yet, prepare it according to the package instructions.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), hot sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
- Stir well until smooth and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls.
- Top with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onions, and avocado slices.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro.
- Drizzle the Chicken Burrito Bowl sauce over the top.
- Add a dollop of sour cream if desired and serve with lime wedges.
For a seafood twist, consider trying the Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe, which is equally nutritious and flavorful.
Nutritional Benefits of a Chicken Burrito Bowl
A Chicken Burrito Bowl is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. It provides a great balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The combination of beans, rice, and chicken offers sustained energy, while the vegetables add vitamins and minerals.
Depending on the ingredients used, a typical Chicken Burrito Bowl contains around 500-600 calories per serving. Moreover, you can also enjoy the Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe, which is both nutritional and healthy.
Chicken Burrito Bowl for Meal Prep
If you’re looking for a convenient meal prep option, this recipe is perfect. Here’s how you can prepare it in advance:
- Cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Portion out the rice and toppings into separate containers.
- Keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.
- Reheat and assemble when needed for a quick and tasty meal.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about a Chicken Burrito Bowl is its versatility. Here are some variations you can try:
- Make it low-carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of greens.
- Use different proteins: Try shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, cucumbers, and jalapeños add more flavor and crunch.
- Spice it up: Use extra hot sauce or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe?
This Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe is perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. It’s simple, quick to prepare, and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re making it fresh or using it for meal prep, it provides a wholesome, satisfying meal with a burst of Mexican-inspired flavors.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy a homemade Chicken Burrito Bowl that’s just as good (if not better) than your favorite restaurant version!
Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 cups cooked rice white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, canned, or frozen
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onions
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend
- 1/4 cup sour cream optional
- Lime wedges for serving
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Start by making a flavorful seasoning blend for the chicken. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This combination creates a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor. Rub the seasoning mix evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, making it easier to enjoy in the burrito bowl.
- If the rice has not been cooked yet, prepare it according to the package instructions. Different types of rice may require varying cooking times, so be sure to follow the directions carefully. Once the rice is fully cooked, use a fork to fluff it up, which helps separate the grains and keeps it from becoming too sticky. Set the rice aside while preparing the other ingredients for the burrito bowl.
- A creamy and zesty sauce adds extra flavor to the Chicken Burrito Bowl. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or sour cream) with hot sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
- Stir well until all the ingredients are fully blended and the sauce has a smooth, creamy consistency. This sauce provides a tangy and slightly spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the seasoned chicken and fresh toppings. Once mixed, set the sauce aside until it’s time to assemble the bowl.
- Now it’s time to bring everything together. Start by dividing the cooked rice evenly among serving bowls to create a base. Next, top each bowl with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, red onions, and fresh avocado slices.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and add a generous handful of chopped cilantro for extra freshness. Drizzle the prepared sauce over the entire bowl to enhance the flavor. For an extra creamy touch, add a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of citrusy brightness. Now, the Chicken Burrito Bowl is ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Make it low-carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of greens.
- Use different proteins: Try shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, cucumbers, and jalapeños add more flavor and crunch.
- Spice it up: Use extra hot sauce or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
