Vibrant, hearty, and endlessly customizable, the Chicken Burrito Bowl is the weeknight dinner dreams are made of—packed with tender spiced chicken, fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and all your favorite toppings! Every bite is bright with fresh flavors and a satisfying balance of protein, fiber, and irresistible creamy and crunchy touches. Whether you’re after a healthy family meal, fun meal-prep, or simply a way to satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings, this bowl delivers comfort, energy, and pure deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great meals start with great ingredients—and this Chicken Burrito Bowl is proof. Each component adds essential flavor, color, or texture, transforming humble everyday basics into a crave-worthy dish that shines with every scoop.
- Chicken breasts: Lean, juicy, and quick to cook, these form the protein-packed centerpiece of your bowl.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the spices coat the chicken evenly for maximum flavor.
- Chili powder: Brings a gentle, smoky heat that sets the tone for that burrito bowl warmth.
- Cumin: Earthy and aromatic, cumin deepens the all-around Mexican-inspired flavor.
- Paprika: Offers vibrant red color and a subtle sweetness that rounds out the spices.
- Garlic powder: Delivers that classic savory note without the fuss of mincing fresh garlic.
- Onion powder: Enhances the overall depth of flavor and blends seamlessly into the spice mix.
- Salt: Just enough to make all the other flavors pop.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of sharp, mellow heat to balance the spices.
- Rice (white or brown): Fluffy, dependable, and ready to catch all the juicy toppings—choose your favorite!
- Black beans: Creamy and satisfying, they’re a great source of fiber and make the bowl extra hearty.
- Corn kernels: Sweet pops of yellow add color and crunch—fresh, canned, or frozen all work beautifully.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and bright, they deliver freshness in every forkful.
- Avocado: Creamy slices that bring a dose of healthy fats and soothing texture.
- Red onion: Adds a hint of zippy bite and a beautiful purple hue.
- Fresh cilantro: Brings an herby brightness that ties everything together.
- Lime: Fresh lime juice wakes up every flavor and adds a zesty finish.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack: Melty, savory cheese that oozes into the warm ingredients.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): Luscious, tangy, and perfect for dolloping on top.
- Salsa or hot sauce for serving: Customizes spice level and gives each bowl a perky punch.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Begin by cooking your chosen rice according to the package instructions. If you’re in a hurry, microwave pouches are totally fair game, though stovetop white or brown rice brings an unbeatable fluffy texture. Once cooked, set the rice aside, covered, to keep it warm and just waiting for those tasty toppings.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend is where all the signature burrito bowl flavor comes from! Add your sliced or cubed chicken and toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated and ready for some skillet action.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning pieces occasionally. You’re aiming for golden brown edges and fully cooked centers. The aroma alone will have your whole kitchen ready to dig in! Once done, set the chicken aside and keep it warm.
Step 4: Prep the Toppings
While the chicken is sizzling, take a few minutes to prep your toppings: drain and rinse the black beans, warm the corn if you like it hot, slice the avocado, halve those cheerful cherry tomatoes, finely chop your red onion, and gather your fresh cilantro. This step is where color and texture really start coming together.
Step 5: Assemble Your Chicken Burrito Bowl
It’s assembly time, and this is the fun part! Divide the fluffy rice among four bowls. Layer on the golden chicken, creamy black beans, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and silky avocado. Scatter some red onion and a generous sprinkle of cheese over the top, then finish with lots of fresh cilantro and a hearty squeeze of lime juice. Don’t forget the dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a swizzle of salsa or hot sauce if you like things spicy.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Bowl
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing a Chicken Burrito Bowl, the more, the merrier! I love a snowy handful of fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges, or a sprinkle of sliced green onions for extra crunch. You can also add thinly sliced jalapeños for a touch more fire, a dash of smoked paprika for extra color, or a crumble of cotija cheese for an authentic kick.
Side Dishes
Serve your Chicken Burrito Bowl with crispy tortilla chips and a side of guacamole or pico de gallo for a true restaurant-style spread. A simple side salad with a citrusy vinaigrette works beautifully, or go for roasted vegetables if you want extra warmth and heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dinner into an event by setting up a burrito bowl bar and letting everyone assemble their perfect bowl—kids and adults love the customization. For parties, serve smaller Chicken Burrito Bowls in mason jars or clear cups for colorful single servings. Or pile everything into lettuce cups for a handheld, low-carb twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping ingredients like chicken, rice, veggies, and toppings apart helps preserve their individual freshness and texture. You can easily assemble a fresh Chicken Burrito Bowl in minutes from meal-prepped elements.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cooked chicken and rice for up to 2 months. Pack them in portioned freezer bags or containers, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best results, freeze without avocado or fresh vegetables, as they don’t thaw well.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Once hot, build your Chicken Burrito Bowl with all the fresh toppings for a nearly-instant, just-cooked feel. And if you’re reheating for lunch, don’t forget to pack salsa and lime wedges separately!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you an even juicier result and more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a minute or two longer to cook through compared to chicken breasts.
What’s the best rice to use for a Chicken Burrito Bowl?
You can use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Brown rice adds extra fiber and a nuttier flavor, while white rice keeps things soft and classic.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for grilled or sautéed tofu, tempeh, or even roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes and peppers. The rest of the bowl stays exactly the same and is just as delicious!
Is this Chicken Burrito Bowl gluten-free?
Yes, the Chicken Burrito Bowl is naturally gluten-free as long as the individual ingredients (especially the salsa and seasonings) are free of any hidden gluten. Always check labels if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity.
Can I meal prep Chicken Burrito Bowls ahead of time?
Definitely! Just cook and store each component in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, quickly reheat the chicken and rice, then add your cold toppings for an easy, flavorful meal all week long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the lookout for a meal that’s easy to make, family-friendly, and absolutely packed with big Tex-Mex flavor, this Chicken Burrito Bowl is IT! Each bite is satisfying, bright, and completely customizable, so go ahead—gather your toppings, invite your friends, and make it your own. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Print
Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to make at home. Tender, seasoned chicken is served over rice with black beans, corn, avocado, and fresh toppings, creating a flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced or cubed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- salsa or hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken evenly with the mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook seasoned chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Prepare Toppings: Drain and rinse black beans, warm corn, slice avocado, chop red onion, and halve cherry tomatoes.
- Assemble the Bowl: Divide rice among bowls, top with chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cheese, and cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over each bowl. Add sour cream, Greek yogurt, salsa, or hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu.
- For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower rice.
- Meal prep friendly—store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
