Chicken Burrito Bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, wholesome, and fully customizable meal at home. Combining perfectly seasoned chicken, vibrant cilantro-lime rice, and an array of your favorite toppings, these bowls offer a satisfying flavor explosion with every bite. They are also incredibly versatile, making them an excellent choice for meal prepping for the week ahead!

Crafting the Perfect Chicken Burrito Bowls: Your Go-To Recipe for Easy & Flavorful Meals

When you need a reliable dish that’s both quick to prepare and universally loved, these chicken burrito bowls are an absolute lifesaver. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a simple weeknight dinner, or preparing lunches for the entire week, this recipe consistently delivers. Its inherent customizability ensures that everyone, from the pickiest eater to the most adventurous food lover, can create a bowl tailored to their taste. For those with dietary preferences, it’s incredibly easy to adapt; for instance, you can effortlessly swap chicken for sweet potato and black bean burrito bowls to cater to vegetarian guests.

This dish manages to look impressively gourmet while actually being wonderfully straightforward to assemble. It’s a culinary win-win, offering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. If you’re still on the fence, let me share a few more compelling reasons why this chicken burrito bowl recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking repertoire:

• Lightning Fast Preparation: These bowls come together in a flash, especially when you leverage pre-prepared ingredients like store-bought salsa, guacamole, or pre-cooked rice.
• Endlessly Customizable: The beauty of a burrito bowl lies in its flexibility. Set out a spread of ingredients and let everyone build their dream bowl exactly how they like it. This is perfect for families with diverse preferences!
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the components once, and enjoy healthy, delicious meals all week long. It’s a smart strategy for staying on track with healthy eating goals and saving time during busy weekdays.
• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The chicken is seasoned with a robust blend of spices that elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary. This spice mix is truly a game-changer and the heart of the bowl’s incredible taste.
• Picky Eater Approved: Even the choosiest eaters tend to love these bowls because they can choose exactly what goes into their meal. It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making dinner time stress-free.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, fresh vegetables, and whole grains, these bowls are a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Chicken Burrito Bowls

Creating sensational chicken burrito bowls starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to build the foundational layers of flavor:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. Opt for small to medium-sized breasts for quicker and more even cooking. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and slightly more tender texture. Ensure chicken is sliced or pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
• Signature Spice Blend: The magic of these bowls lies in the perfectly balanced spice mix. We combine onion powder, dried oregano, smoky cumin, vibrant paprika, and a touch of chili powder. This blend creates a deeply savory and aromatic profile that coats the chicken beautifully, infusing it with authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Olive Oil: Essential for cooking the chicken to golden perfection and helping the spices adhere. Extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle fruity note, but you can also use butter for a richer flavor.
• Rice: The base of any great burrito bowl! Our preferred choice is fragrant cilantro-lime rice, which adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the seasoned chicken. For an extra boost of protein and depth of flavor, consider making bone broth rice. Alternatively, a simple batch of perfectly cooked white rice or nutritious brown rice works wonderfully.
• Black Beans: A pantry staple, canned black beans are super convenient. Just drain them, rinse thoroughly, and warm them up. For an elevated touch, try making black beans from scratch. They add protein, fiber, and a delightful earthy flavor.
• Corn: Adds a pop of sweetness and texture. You can use fresh corn kernels when in season, or simply sauté frozen corn for a few minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. A spoonful of homemade corn salsa can also add incredible flavor and a vibrant kick.

Creative & Delicious Topping Ideas for Your Burrito Bowls

The magic of chicken burrito bowls truly comes alive with the toppings! This is where you can unleash your creativity and tailor each bowl to individual preferences. Here are some fantastic topping ideas to inspire you:

• Creamy Avocado: A must-have for its rich, buttery texture and healthy fats. Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure. You can dice it, slice it, or mash it.
• Homemade Guacamole: Elevate your bowl with a dollop of fresh homemade guacamole. The combination of creamy avocado, zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and a hint of onion and jalapeño is simply divine. For convenience, individual packs of guacamole are also a great option, such as Sabra Singles.
• Fresh Tomatoes or Pico de Gallo: Diced cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and acidity. For even more flavor and texture, whip up a batch of our easy Pico De Gallo, featuring fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños.
• Cheese, Please! A sprinkle of cheese adds a wonderful savory depth. Sharp cheddar, spicy Pepper Jack, or crumbly Cotija cheese are all excellent choices. Feel free to use your favorite shredded cheese blend.
• Zesty Jalapeños: For those who love a bit of heat, fresh or pickled jalapeños offer a fantastic kick. Adjust the quantity to your preferred spice level.
• Fresh Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over your finished bowl brightens all the flavors, adding a necessary acidic balance that pulls everything together. Don’t skip this!
• Fragrant Cilantro: A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness and vibrancy, characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
• Tangy Pickled Red Onions: These offer a delightful tangy crunch and a beautiful pop of color. Their mild acidity cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
• Signature Sauces: Take your bowls to the next level with a delicious sauce. Our famous Taco Sauce adds a creamy, zesty element, or try a vibrant Cilantro Lime Sauce for an extra fresh and tangy kick.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a cool, creamy contrast that balances the spices.
• Salsa: Beyond pico de gallo, your favorite red or green salsa can be a fantastic addition, adding moisture and depth of flavor.

Simple Steps to Make Flavorful Chicken Burrito Bowls

Making these delicious chicken burrito bowls is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. Follow these simple steps for a satisfying meal:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by preparing your chicken breasts. Trim off any excess fat. For even cooking and tenderness, slice each breast horizontally to create thinner filets. You can also lightly pound them with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan until they are of uniform thickness. This ensures your chicken cooks quickly and evenly, preventing dry spots.
2. Season the Chicken to Perfection: In a small bowl, combine your chosen blend of spices: onion powder, dried oregano, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the prepared chicken, toss to coat, then generously sprinkle the spice mix over the chicken. Toss again to ensure every piece is evenly seasoned. This step is crucial for building the rich flavor of the bowls.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooking will dry out the chicken, so watch it closely. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate, cover it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist. After resting, dice or slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. Prepare Your Rice Base: While the chicken rests, prepare your chosen rice. If making cilantro-lime rice, cook it according to your preferred recipe, then stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. If using plain white or brown rice, ensure it’s cooked and ready. Aim for approximately 3-4 cups of cooked rice for four servings.
5. Assemble Your Dream Bowls: Now for the fun part! Divide the cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls. Next, layer the diced or sliced seasoned chicken over the rice. Add generous portions of warm black beans, sautéed corn, diced avocado, and grape tomatoes (or pico de gallo). Finally, add any additional optional toppings you desire, such as cheese, jalapeños, a squeeze of fresh lime, a sprinkle of cilantro, or a drizzle of your favorite sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, flavorful chicken burrito bowls!

Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe

By Chelsea Lords

Indulge in Chicken Burrito Bowls, where perfectly seasoned chicken meets zesty cilantro-lime rice, topped with your favorites for a mouthwatering meal!

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

• Large pan

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (see note 1)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Rice and Toppings

• 1 batch cilantro-lime rice (or white rice or brown rice)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained, rinsed, and warm
• 1-1/2 cups frozen corn (see note 2)
• 1 large avocado, diced, or guacamole
• Diced grape tomatoes (or make salsa or pico de gallo)
• Toppings as desired (see note 3)

Instructions

1. Follow your chosen recipe for cilantro-lime, white, or brown rice. Make enough to yield 3–4 cups.
2. Trim chicken and cut each breast in half horizontally to create 4 thin filets. Pound lightly with a meat mallet or frying pan for even thickness. Pat dry and place in a large bowl.
3. Stir together all seasonings in a small bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon oil over chicken, toss, sprinkle with seasonings, and toss again.
4. Heat remaining oil in a pan over high heat. Cook chicken in a single layer with no overlap for 2–4 minutes on each side until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Rest for 5 minutes, then dice or slice.
5. Divide rice evenly into bowls. Divide chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and tomatoes evenly among bowls. Add any optional toppings. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Recipe timing and seasoning quantities are based on using 2 small-to-medium chicken breasts, each weighing 1/2 pound, for a total of 1 pound of chicken.

Note 2: Sauté frozen corn in butter or oil before adding; you can check this Black Bean Burrito Bowls recipe for detailed instructions. The frozen corn can also be replaced with 1 can of corn.

Note 3: I love topping these bowls with sour cream, Cotija cheese, jalapeños, fresh lime, cilantro, pickled red onions, cilantro-lime sauce, and taco sauce. To cut down on prep time, you can also use store-bought salsa or pico de gallo, store-bought guacamole packs, and store-bought cilantro-lime sauce.

Storage: Cool the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; keep the rice and toppings separate, with avocado, guacamole, and pico best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 555 kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 0.3mg | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 880mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 194IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Enjoyed this recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share your favorite topping combinations or any tips you have for making these delicious chicken burrito bowls even better!