Chicken Burrito Bowls

Chicken Burrito Bowls are a vibrant, customizable meal that brings all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors into one delicious bowl. With juicy seasoned chicken, rice, beans, veggies, and your favorite toppings, these bowls are easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients
  • Perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights
  • Packed with protein, fiber, and fresh flavor
  • Healthier than takeout burrito bowls
  • Great for feeding a crowd or picky eaters

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Olive oil
  • Taco seasoning or homemade spice blend
  • Cooked white or brown rice
  • Black beans or pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
  • Corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • Cherry tomatoes or salsa
  • Shredded lettuce or chopped romaine
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

directions

  1. In a bowl, coat chicken with olive oil and taco seasoning. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes (optional for more flavor).
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temp reaches 165°F. Let rest, then slice.
  3. While the chicken cooks, prepare your bowl ingredients: warm the rice and beans, chop veggies, and get toppings ready.
  4. Assemble bowls by layering rice, beans, corn, lettuce, tomatoes, and sliced chicken.
  5. Top with cheese, avocado or guacamole, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.
  6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa.
  • Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce instead of rice.
  • Vegetarian: Omit chicken and add grilled vegetables or tofu.
  • Chipotle-Inspired: Add cilantro-lime rice and chipotle sauce for extra flair.
  • Breakfast Style: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast potatoes for a morning version.

storage/reheating

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat rice, beans, and chicken in the microwave or a skillet before assembling.
Fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado are best added right before serving.

FAQs

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, grilled chicken adds great smoky flavor. Cook on medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side.

What kind of rice is best for burrito bowls?

White, brown, or cilantro-lime rice all work great—use what you prefer.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep all components in advance and assemble when ready to eat.

Are burrito bowls healthy?

Yes, especially when made at home—you control the ingredients and portion sizes.

What toppings go well with burrito bowls?

Avocado, cheese, salsa, corn, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeños, and lime are all great options.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great shortcut. Just season it lightly before adding to the bowl.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure your taco seasoning and toppings are gluten-free.

What protein alternatives can I use?

Try steak, shrimp, tofu, ground turkey, or beans for different options.

Can I freeze burrito bowl components?

You can freeze cooked chicken, rice, and beans—but not fresh toppings like lettuce or avocado.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Don’t overcook it—use a meat thermometer and let it rest before slicing.

Conclusion

Chicken Burrito Bowls are a fresh, flavorful, and flexible meal that’s easy to throw together and loved by all. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, these bowls are packed with texture, color, and delicious Mexican-inspired flavor. Customize them your way and enjoy a balanced, satisfying bowl every time!

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Chicken Burrito Bowls

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These Chicken Burrito Bowls are loaded with juicy seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, black beans, fresh veggies, and all your favorite Tex-Mex toppings. Easy to customize, quick to make, and great for meal prep, these bowls are a healthy, satisfying alternative to takeout!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Juice of ½ lime

For the Bowls:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro lime rice)

  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 avocado, diced

  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, lime wedges, hot sauce


Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken:
    In a bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, lime juice, and all spices. Toss to coat well.
    Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through (165°F internal temp). Let rest, then slice or dice.

  2. Assemble the bowls:
    Divide cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top with black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and sliced chicken.

  3. Add toppings:
    Finish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, or a squeeze of lime juice.

  4. Serve immediately or store in meal prep containers for later.

Notes

  • Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

  • Great with grilled or shredded rotisserie chicken.

  • Swap toppings to match your taste – lettuce, jalapeños, or pickled onions are great additions.

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