Chicken Burrito Bowl – Easy Recipe with Step-by-Step Instructions
Craving a meal that’s both satisfying and speedy? You’re in luck! My chicken burrito bowl is the answer to busy weeknight dinners, delivering delicious flavors without complicated steps. It’s also completely customizable to your tastes.

This dish isn’t just convenient; it’s packed with nutrients and is budget-friendly, too. With lean protein and vibrant veggies, this simple chicken burrito bowl recipe offers a wholesome option that doesn’t compromise on taste. It’s the perfect solution for a nutritious, flavor-filled meal with minimal effort.
Forget takeout! This customizable bowl allows you to enjoy all the goodness of a burrito, minus the wrap. You can easily tailor it to use up what you already have in the fridge, making meal prepping even more manageable.
Key Details About the Chicken Burrito Bowl
This Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy Mexican flavors in a healthier, deconstructed format. It’s easily customizable and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Here are some quick facts about the recipe:
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Dietary categories: Can be made gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Approximate Calories: 550-650 per serving
- Difficulty Level: Easy (mostly involves chopping and cooking)
- Taste profile: Savory, slightly spicy, with fresh notes
Chicken Burrito Bowl Ingredients
Ready to make a mouthwatering chicken burrito bowl? Lets gather all the needed components before we get started.
Main:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (brown or white)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapeños, sliced
- A squeeze of lime
- Tortilla strips or chips
For the chicken, feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. If you want to go gluten-free, make sure your rice and toppings are gluten-free, too. Dairy-free options are available by substituting sour cream with a dairy free alternative.
Equipments Required to prepare Chicken Burrito Bowl
Here’s what you’ll need to get started making chicken burrito bowls:
- A large skillet or pan: This is for cooking the chicken and other ingredients. A cast-iron skillet works great for even heating, but any large pan will do.
- A pot: You’ll use this to cook the rice. Any medium-sized pot works well here.
- Cutting board: A must for chopping vegetables and preparing the chicken.
- Sharp knife: For all your chopping needs.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To keep your ingredient ratios on point.
- Mixing bowls: These come in handy for tossing ingredients and preparing sauces or marinades.
- Spatula or spoon: For stirring and flipping ingredients in the pan.
- Optional: A rice cooker can be a handy time-saver for cooking rice. If you don’t have a rice cooker, don’t worry, a regular pot is fine.
- Optional: A food processor is useful for chopping veggies fast, but not needed if you’re happy with a knife.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Burrito Bowl
Ready to make a tasty chicken burrito bowl? These instructions break it all down. It is much simpler than you might think.
- Start by prepping your chicken. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Reduce heat if oil begins to smoke. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté diced onions for about 5 minutes, until they are soft and lightly browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in cooked rice and black beans to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Heat through, about 3-4 minutes. If you like your rice a bit more moist, add a splash of water or chicken broth.
- Now, assemble your bowl. Place a bed of the rice and bean mix in a bowl. Top with the cooked chicken.
- Add your favorite toppings: salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado slices or guacamole, and a sprinkle of cheese.
- A pro tip: warm your tortillas and cut them into strips to serve with your bowl for extra texture.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade chicken burrito bowl!
Tips & Tricks for Chicken Burrito Bowl
Let’s talk about some ways to make your burrito bowl experience even better!
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Nobody likes dry chicken. Cook until it’s just done, and use a meat thermometer to be sure.
- Spice it Up: Don’t be shy with your spices! A good chili powder, cumin, and paprika blend goes a long way. You can also add a touch of cayenne for heat.
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your veggies beforehand. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your bowls.
- Rice Matters: If you’re making rice, a flavorful broth instead of plain water can boost taste.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t stick to just the basics. Add some pickled onions, a dollop of sour cream, or even some crispy tortilla strips.
- Warm Tortillas: If you’re adding tortillas, heat them up before adding to the bowls, it makes a nice touch.
- Don’t Forget the Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished bowl can really brighten things up.
- Marinate for Taste: Marinating the chicken for a bit, even for thirty minutes, makes it taste better.
- Cool Down Before Adding Sour Cream: If your chicken is too hot, the sour cream will melt. Let things cool slightly first.
Chicken Burrito Bowl Variations and Substitutions
Want to switch things up a bit? This chicken burrito bowl is pretty flexible.
For a vegetarian bowl, swap out the chicken with:
- Grilled or roasted tofu.
- Black beans or pinto beans, extra for more protein.
- Sweet potatoes or other roasted vegetables for substance.
Going gluten-free is simple. Just make sure you use:
- Certified gluten-free tortillas for any wraps.
- Check the labels on any spice mixes.
To make it dairy-free, consider:
- Skipping the cheese or using a plant-based cheese.
- Using dairy-free sour cream options or plain yogurt alternatives.
Seasonal changes can bring fresh flavors. During warmer months:
- Use fresh corn and diced tomatoes.
- Add some grilled bell peppers for extra sweetness.
When it gets cooler, try:
- Roasted butternut squash or sweet potato chunks.
- A pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika in the rice.
Herbs and spices are an easy way to customize your bowl:
- Cumin and chili powder give it a classic taste.
- Smoked paprika offers a hint of warmth.
- A little oregano brings an earthy note.
- For a touch of brightness, add some chopped cilantro.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Burrito Bowl
Think about pairing your chicken burrito bowl with some awesome sides to complete the meal. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette works wonders. You could also try some grilled corn on the cob for a sweet and smoky touch. For a different texture, consider a side of crispy tortilla chips with a bit of guacamole or salsa.
Drinks can also make or break a meal. A cold Mexican beer or a refreshing limeade pairs beautifully with the flavors of the bowl. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, iced tea or a fruity sparkling water works just as well. How about a margarita to add a festive touch?
This recipe is great for so many events. It’s easy enough to prepare for a quick lunch or a weeknight dinner. But it is also a fun and casual option for a weekend gathering with friends. Plus, it’s simple to customize, letting everyone add their favorite toppings to personalize their bowl.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Chicken Burrito Bowl
Leftover chicken burrito bowls are great for a quick meal later! If you have any remaining, storing them correctly is simple. For fridge storage, place the bowl components in an airtight container. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days this way. If you need them to last longer, consider freezing. Put the chicken, rice, and any other solid parts into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top. These frozen leftovers can be enjoyed within 2-3 months.
When reheating, you have a few choices. The microwave is the speediest option. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until everything is warmed. For a more even heat, the stovetop works wonderfully. Just add the bowl’s ingredients to a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the oven, especially if reheating a large amount. Place the items in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Remember to always check the internal temperature, especially for chicken, to make sure it is heated adequately, a thermometer is helpful.
To keep things moist when reheating, try adding a splash of broth or some salsa. This helps prevent your bowl from drying out. With these practices, you can enjoy your chicken burrito bowl later while it remains safe and delicious.