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Easy Flavor-Packed Chicken Burrito Bowls

chicken burrito bowls - featured image

A quick and healthy Tex-Mex inspired chicken burrito bowl featuring smoky chipotle marinade, fresh toppings, and a rice base. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 medium avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup salsa or pico de gallo
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, chipotle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss until fully coated. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  2. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes (white rice) or 40 minutes (brown rice). Turn off heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice.
  4. Prepare toppings: rinse and drain black beans, thaw corn if frozen, dice avocado, chop cilantro, and set out salsa and cheese.
  5. Assemble bowls: start with rice base, top with chicken, then beans, corn, avocado, cheese, salsa, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream if desired. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes to let flavors soak in. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Cook rice ahead or use quick-cook rice to save time. For dairy-free, omit cheese and sour cream or use coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, quick dinner, healthy meal, Tex-Mex, chipotle chicken, easy recipe, weeknight meal