Ready for a flavor-packed, vibrant lunch or dinner that feels both wholesome and crave-worthy? Let me introduce you to my ultimate Chicken Burrito Bowl, a one-bowl wonder that’s hearty, colorful, and easy enough for any weeknight. Juicy seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, creamy avocado, and bursts of sweet corn and tomato all come together for the ultimate Tex-Mex meal—every bite is a festive celebration of color, taste, and texture! With so many fresh toppings and zesty flavors, this is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients join forces to create something so delicious. Each item in this Chicken Burrito Bowl plays its own important role, whether it’s adding heartiness, punchy flavor, or pops of color. Let’s break them all down:
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Pick whichever you prefer for juicy, protein-packed strips—breasts are lean, thighs are extra-tender!
- Olive oil: A quick rub with oil helps your seasoning stick and gives that golden sear.
- Taco or fajita seasoning: Brings smoky, savory depth and a familiar Tex-Mex flair—homemade or your favorite store blend.
- White or brown rice: The fluffy, neutral base that soaks up all the goodness in your bowl—both work beautifully.
- Canned black beans: Heart-healthy, creamy, and a great source of plant protein; rinse well before using!
- Corn kernels: Sweet and juicy, they add a pop of sunshine and crunch, whether fresh, canned, or frozen.
- Cherry tomatoes: These juicy gems provide tang, a burst of color, and refreshing juiciness with every bite.
- Avocado: Rich, creamy, and beautifully green—choose one that yields slightly to gentle pressure.
- Red onion: For sharpness and crisp texture—dice it small for the perfect topping.
- Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: That melty, savory finish that brings all the flavors together.
- Fresh cilantro: Bright, herbal notes and a classic Mexican touch—chop just before using for max flavor.
- Lime wedges: Squeeze over the top for a bright, tangy lift!
- Salt and pepper: Always taste and season as you go, especially the rice and beans.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowl
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry, then massage it with olive oil and a generous sprinkle of taco or fajita seasoning on all sides. This gives maximum flavor and helps the outside sear beautifully. Grill or pan-cook the seasoned chicken over medium heat, about 6 to 7 minutes per side, until it’s cooked through and looks golden. Give it a quick rest so the juices stay inside, then slice into tender strips—this might just be my favorite part!
Step 2: Prepare the Bowls
Begin assembly by laying a gentle, fluffy bed of cooked rice at the bottom of each bowl. This is the canvas that will catch all the juices and toppings, so don’t skimp! A mix of both brown and white rice works too, if you want extra flavor and texture.
Step 3: Layer the Toppings
Now the fun part: layer on the black beans (give them a quick rinse and season with a pinch of salt), then pile on the corn for sweetness, juicy cherry tomato halves for brightness, creamy diced avocado, a smattering of diced red onion, and your favorite shredded cheese. Lay those perfectly sliced chicken strips right on top.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
No Chicken Burrito Bowl is complete without a shower of fresh, chopped cilantro—a must for that lively kick! Finally, add lime wedges on the side. Squeeze them over just before you dig in, and the flavors pop even more.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Chicken Burrito Bowl is ready to devour! Feel free to invite everyone to customize their own bowl with their favorite extras, like salsa, sour cream, or a drizzle of chipotle mayo if you want more zing.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Bowl
Garnishes
The right garnishes transform your Chicken Burrito Bowl from tasty to truly irresistible. Fresh cilantro adds a spark of green and fresh flavor, while lime wedges give each bowl that zippy, tangy finish everybody loves. Add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of extra cheese, sliced jalapeños, or even a spoonful of salsa for more layers of taste and color.
Side Dishes
While each Chicken Burrito Bowl could easily be a meal by itself, pairing with sides makes it even more special. Warm tortilla chips or soft, fluffy tortillas are perfect for scooping and scooching up the last bites. If you’re hosting or meal prepping, serve alongside a simple green salad, tangy pickled onions, or Mexican-style street corn for a Fiesta-worthy plate.
Creative Ways to Present
I love serving Chicken Burrito Bowls in wide, shallow bowls so every colorful ingredient stands out. For parties, try setting up a build-your-own bar with all the toppings in pretty little bowls—let guests pile on what they love. Or, for meal prep, layer the ingredients in individual containers (rice on the bottom, chicken and toppings on top) for grab-and-go lunches all week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store each component of your Chicken Burrito Bowl separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps everything fresh and prevents soggy rice or wilted greens. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble your bowl with as much or as little of each topping as you like.
Freezing
Chicken, rice, and beans all freeze beautifully if you want to get ahead on meal prep. Cool cooked chicken and rice fully, then pack into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Hold off on freezing fresh veggies and toppings like avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro—they’re best added just before serving for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken, rice, and beans gently together in the microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot. Add a splash of water or a squeeze of lime to keep everything moist. Top with fresh garnishes and avocado after reheating to keep their flavor and texture shining.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver for a Chicken Burrito Bowl. Just shred the cooked meat, warm it up with a sprinkle of your favorite taco seasoning, and layer it right into the bowl with the other ingredients.
What’s the best rice to use for a burrito bowl?
Both white and brown rice work great in burrito bowls. White rice is light and fluffy, while brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. For a fun twist, try cilantro-lime rice for even more flavor.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Swap the chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted vegetables, and use dairy-free cheese or skip it entirely. The base of rice, beans, and veggies makes this Chicken Burrito Bowl naturally flexible for all diets.
Can I meal prep Chicken Burrito Bowls?
Definitely! This recipe is a superstar for meal prep. Store rice, beans, chicken, and toppings in separate containers so they stay fresh, then assemble each bowl fresh for the week’s lunches or quick dinners.
What are some fun topping ideas to add?
Personalize your Chicken Burrito Bowl with sliced jalapeños, homemade pico de gallo, pickled onions, shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, or a drizzle of chipotle mayo. The sky’s the limit when it comes to toppings!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about digging into a homemade Chicken Burrito Bowl—so much flavor, freshness, and comfort packed into every forkful! I hope you’ll add this easy, colorful recipe to your weeknight rotation and make it your own with all your favorite toppings. Trust me: once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Print
Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe is a delicious and healthy meal option that’s perfect for easy meal prep. Tender grilled chicken, flavorful taco-seasoned rice, and a variety of fresh toppings make this bowl a satisfying and flavorful choice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning or fajita seasoning
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rub the chicken with olive oil and taco seasoning, then grill or pan-cook over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- Assemble the Bowls: Layer the rice on the bottom, followed by black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cheese, and sliced chicken. Sprinkle with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- You can swap chicken for steak, tofu, or shrimp.
- Add salsa, sour cream, or a drizzle of chipotle mayo for extra flavor.
- Great for meal prep—store components separately and assemble as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
