The Ultimate Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe: Healthy, Flavorful & Easy Meal Prep
Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner: this vibrant and incredibly satisfying Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe! Forget the wrapper and dive into a bowl packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. Our recipe features succulent, spice-rubbed chicken, perfectly cooked cilantro-lime rice, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and an irresistible chili-lime sauce that ties everything together. It’s a fantastic option for a healthy, quick meal that’s also incredibly versatile and perfect for meal prepping.
Burrito bowls have become a global sensation for good reason. They offer all the deliciousness of a traditional burrito without the extra carbs from a tortilla, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a lighter, more balanced meal. Our version elevates the classic with a perfectly balanced blend of spices for the chicken and a zesty, creamy sauce that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe surprisingly easy to master and endlessly adaptable to your taste preferences.
Crafting Your Perfect Burrito Bowl: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious chicken burrito bowl is simpler than you might think. With just a few key steps, you’ll have a wholesome and flavorful meal on your table in no time. Precision in preparation, especially with the chicken and rice, ensures every bite is bursting with taste and texture.
- Prepare the Spice-Rubbed Chicken: The secret to truly flavorful chicken lies in the spice rub. In a small bowl, combine all the dry seasonings (onion powder, dried oregano, salt, cumin, paprika, and chili powder). Before applying, ensure your boneless, skinless chicken breasts are properly prepared. To guarantee even cooking and maximum tenderness, we recommend either slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise (butterflying) or pounding them lightly to an even thickness. Once prepped, drizzle the chicken with olive oil, then generously rub the seasoning blend over all sides. This ensures every piece is infused with our signature Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Cook the Flavorful Cilantro-Lime Quinoa or Rice: The base of your burrito bowl is crucial. While plain rice or quinoa works, our ultimate hack for extra flavor is cooking it in chicken broth or stock instead of just water. This simple swap adds an incredible depth to your grain. For an even more authentic experience, infuse it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice after cooking. If you’re new to cooking quinoa or rice, check out our helpful guide on how to cook quinoa for perfect results every time.
- Assemble Your Burrito Bowl Masterpiece: Once your chicken is cooked and chopped, and your rice or quinoa is ready, it’s time for assembly! Fluff your chosen grain with a fork and create a generous base in your bowl. Next, layer on the cooked and chopped chicken. Now for the fun part: adding your favorite toppings! We love a colorful combination of creamy pinto beans, diced ripe avocado, fresh chopped tomatoes, a sprinkle of extra cilantro, and a generous amount of shredded cheese. Finally, the crowning glory is the luscious chili-lime sauce, drizzled generously over everything, bringing all the vibrant flavors together for an unforgettable experience.
Unleash Your Creativity: Essential Burrito Bowl Topping Ideas
The beauty of a burrito bowl lies in its endless customization. Personalizing your bowl with an array of fresh and flavorful toppings is what makes each meal unique and exciting. Here are some of our top suggestions to elevate your burrito bowl experience:
- Avocado: A must-have for its creamy texture and healthy fats. Always choose ripe avocados for the best flavor and consistency. Dice it fresh just before serving to prevent browning.
- Guacamole: For an even richer avocado experience, whip up a batch of homemade guacamole. It adds another layer of flavor and creaminess that can’t be beat. If you’re short on time, convenient individual packs are a great alternative.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Freshly diced cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweet and tangy flavor. For a more robust tomato component, consider making our easy Pico De Gallo, which adds chopped onions, cilantro, and jalapeños.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of your favorite cheese adds a delicious, savory element. Sharp cheddar, spicy Pepper Jack, or crumbly Cotija are all excellent choices that complement the Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Jalapeños: For those who love a bit of heat, fresh or pickled jalapeño slices offer a fantastic spicy kick and bright flavor.
- Lime: A fresh squeeze of lime juice over the finished bowl is a game-changer. It brightens all the flavors, adding a zesty finish that truly awakens the palate. Don’t skip this!
- Cilantro: Fresh chopped cilantro adds an essential layer of herbaceous freshness and vibrant color.
- Pickled Red Onions: These tangy, slightly sweet onions are a fantastic addition, providing a delightful contrast in texture and a burst of acidity.
- Sauces: Beyond our chili-lime sauce, experiment with other creamy options. Try my famous Taco Sauce or a refreshing Cilantro Lime Sauce to customize the flavor profile even further.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spices.
- Salsa: A spoonful of your favorite salsa, whether mild or hot, can add extra moisture and flavor to your bowl.
Creative Twists: Elevating Your Burrito Bowl Game
One of the best things about burrito bowls is their incredible flexibility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to create new and exciting flavor combinations. Here are some variation ideas to inspire your next culinary creation:
- Add roasted (or grilled) corn to this burrito bowl recipe. Roasting or grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the corn and adds a lovely smoky char, enhancing its flavor profile significantly.
- Use guacamole in place of plain diced avocado for an extra creamy, seasoned layer of deliciousness. It’s a fantastic way to introduce more flavor.
- Serve with pico de gallo in place of simply chopped cherry tomatoes. The fresh salsa, with its finely diced onions, cilantro, and jalapeños, offers a more complex and zesty topping.
- Add roasted or raw bell peppers. Bell peppers add a wonderful crunch and natural sweetness. Learn how to cut a bell pepper perfectly for your bowls. You can sauté them, roast them until slightly tender, or simply slice them raw for a refreshing bite.
- Change up the protein: While chicken is delicious, consider grilled steak, seasoned ground beef, tender carnitas, or even shrimp for a seafood twist. For vegetarian options, extra beans, seasoned tofu, or roasted sweet potatoes work wonderfully.
- Explore different grains: Instead of rice or quinoa, try brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Introduce more vegetables: Sautéed zucchini, shredded lettuce, finely chopped red cabbage, or even a handful of spinach can boost the nutritional content and add different textures.
- Turn it into a walking taco for a fun, no-mess dinner experience, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Mastering Meal Prep: Your Burrito Bowl Strategy
This chicken burrito bowl recipe is an absolute dream for meal prepping! Preparing your components in advance ensures you have healthy, delicious meals ready to go throughout the week, saving you time and stress. Follow these tips for optimal freshness and convenience:
- Chicken: Once your spice-rubbed chicken is cooked, allow it to cool completely. Then, chop it into bite-sized pieces and portion it into your meal prep container. Using containers with dividers can help keep ingredients separate until you’re ready to eat.
- Quinoa or Rice: Similarly, allow the cooked quinoa or rice to cool before placing it on the other side of your meal prep container. You can then top it with your drained and rinsed beans, sealing the container tightly to maintain freshness.
- Cold Ingredients: To keep your “cold” and fresh ingredients vibrant, store them in a separate, smaller container. This includes diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and any delicate greens. For avocado, to prevent browning and maintain texture, we highly recommend using pre-made guacamole snack packs or simply dicing a fresh avocado just before serving.
- Assemble & Enjoy: When lunchtime or dinner rolls around, simply warm up the chicken, rice, and beans in the microwave or a skillet. Once heated through, add your fresh, cold ingredients and a drizzle of the chili-lime sauce. This method ensures your meal tastes freshly made every time!
Serving Temperature: Warm or Cold?
While you certainly *can* eat burrito bowls cold, especially if you’re looking for a refreshing lunch on a hot day, they are typically best enjoyed warm. The flavors of the spiced chicken and the comforting rice truly shine when heated. If you’re preparing them fresh, your main components (chicken, rice, beans) will already be warm. For meal-prepped bowls, refer to the storage and reheating notes above to ensure your meal is perfectly heated and delicious.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
Handling Leftovers: Maximize Freshness
Proper storage is key to enjoying your burrito bowls for days after preparation. To maintain freshness and quality:
- Keep Components Separate: For best results, store the cooked rice, chicken, and softer toppings (like tomatoes, cheese, corn, and beans) in separate airtight containers. This prevents sogginess and helps each ingredient retain its ideal texture.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Place all components in the refrigerator as soon as they have cooled down. The cooked chicken and rice will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Store the Sauce: Keep the chili-lime sauce in its own small, sealed container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for up to a week.
- Reheat and Assemble: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat the chicken and rice until warm. Then, add your cold toppings and a fresh drizzle of the sauce for a meal that tastes just as good as day one.
More Delicious and Healthy Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this hearty and flavorful burrito bowl, you’re sure to love these other wholesome and easy recipes from our kitchen. They’re perfect for adding more variety to your meal rotation!
- Greek Couscous Salad
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- Quinoa Black Bean Salad
- Cowboy Caviar
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Burrito Bowls
Chelsea Lords
30 minutes
15 minutes
45 minutes
4
servings
Equipment
- Large pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts see note 1
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 batch cilantro-lime rice or plain rice
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans drained, rinsed, and warm
- 1-1/2 cups frozen corn or 1 can, see note 2
- 1 large avocado or guacamole
- Diced grape tomatoes or salsa
- Toppings as desired see note 3
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 limes
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha
Instructions
- Follow your chosen recipe for cilantro-lime or plain rice, making enough to yield 3–4 cups; this will require 1 cup of dry rice.
- Trim chicken and cut each breast in half widthwise to create 4 thin filets. Pound lightly for even thickness. Pat dry and place in a large bowl.
- Stir together all seasonings in a small bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon oil over chicken, toss, sprinkle with seasonings, and toss again.
- Heat remaining oil in a pan over high heat. Cook chicken in a single layer, with no overlapping, for 2–4 minutes each side until it reaches 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Rest 5 minutes, then dice.
- Zest limes with a zester to get 1/4 teaspoon zest. Juice the limes using a citrus juicer to get 3 tablespoons lime juice. Whisk together sauce ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate until using.
- Divide rice, chicken, black beans, corn, diced avocado, and tomatoes evenly among bowls. Divide any optional toppings. Drizzle sauce evenly, or to taste, on bowls. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Note 2: Sauté frozen corn in butter or oil before adding. See Black Bean Burrito Bowls recipe for detailed instructions.
Note 3: I love to use sour cream, Cotija cheese, jalapenos, lime, cilantro, pickled red onions, and cilantro-lime sauce or taco sauce. For quicker toppings, grab store-bought salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole packs, and cilantro-lime sauce.
Storage: Store the rice, chicken, and toppings in separate containers in the fridge; they will stay fresh for up to 4 days. The sauce will last a week in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and rice, then add the toppings and sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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