Packed with vibrant colors and bold flavors, this Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe turns weeknight dinners into a celebration. Juicy, seasoned chicken, hearty rice, creamy avocado, crunchy veggies, and all your favorite burrito fixings come together in one bowl for a satisfying, wholesome meal. It’s the kind of dish that’s endlessly customizable, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for family dinners, casual entertaining, or meal prepping for the week ahead. If you’re a fan of Mexican-inspired food that’s both comforting and fresh, this Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe is about to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe lies in its simplicity—all the ingredients are easy to find, and every component adds a special touch. Each bite gives you the perfect balance of seasoning, creaminess, crunch, and zing. Here’s what you’ll need and a tip for making the most out of each one:
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless for easy slicing and quick, even cooking.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and gives the chicken a golden, flavorful crust.
- Taco or fajita seasoning: Packs in big flavor instantly; homemade or store-bought both work great.
- Cooked rice: White or brown rice soaks up all the juices and acts as the hearty base of your bowl.
- Black beans: Rinsed and drained for a fiber-rich, creamy bite and extra protein.
- Corn: Adds sweetness and a pop of color—fresh, frozen, or canned all work in this recipe.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts that brighten up every mouthful.
- Avocado: Sliced for that rich, buttery texture everyone craves in a burrito bowl.
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend melts beautifully on top and adds savory goodness.
- Salsa or pico de gallo: Brings acidity and freshness—choose mild or spicy depending on your mood.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds creamy tang that ties all the flavors together.
- Chopped cilantro: Sprinkling this on top wakes up your bowl and gives it authentic flair.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens everything up; don’t skip it!
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the elements into perfect balance.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), or get your grill pan nice and hot over medium-high heat. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle them all over with the taco or fajita seasoning. This ensures every bite is completely infused with flavor. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or grill for 6–7 minutes per side, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly—this keeps it juicy and tender in your bowls!
Step 2: Prepare the Other Ingredients
While your chicken cooks, get all your toppings and bases ready. Cook your rice according to package instructions (or use leftovers—it’s a time saver!). Set out bowls with the black beans, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, salsa or pico de gallo, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Having everything ready makes assembly a breeze and adds a fun, build-your-own element to the meal.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Time to build your masterpiece! Divide the warm rice among four bowls, creating a cozy base. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, salsa (or pico de gallo), and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Don’t worry about precise quantities—part of the magic of this Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe is that you can pile on your favorites just how you like them.
Step 4: Finish with Garnishes
Finish things off with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a lime wedge or two on the side. A quick squeeze of lime right before digging in brings all the flavors to life and makes every forkful pop! Your Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe is now ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are what take these bowls from good to unforgettable. A shower of freshly chopped cilantro adds brightness and a hint of herbal freshness. Lime wedges on the side let everyone add as much zing as they crave. Sprinkle extra cheese or a few crushed tortilla chips for added texture if you want to indulge a little. For a dash of spice, sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce will do the trick!
Side Dishes
While the Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe is a meal on its own, you can round things out with a few simple sides. Homemade tortilla chips and guacamole are always a crowd-pleaser. If you want more veggies, try a simple side salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette or some sautéed peppers and onions to echo the Southwest theme. For a fun twist, serve with elote-style Mexican street corn.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these bowls “bar-style” is a guaranteed hit for family dinners or casual get-togethers—set out all the toppings and let everyone customize their own. For meal preppers, pack the components separately so everything stays fresh. Or, for party flair, assemble mini burrito bowls in mason jars or small cups, letting guests enjoy vibrant, Instagram-worthy layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store each component of the Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The rice, beans, chicken, and toppings will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. This way, nothing gets soggy, and you can mix and match when you’re ready for another bowl.
Freezing
Chicken, rice, and beans are all freezer-friendly! Let everything cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. Skip freezing avocado, salsa, or dairy-based toppings as their texture won’t hold up well. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just defrost the chicken, rice, and beans, then add fresh toppings.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave the chicken, rice, and beans until steaming hot (about 1–2 minutes, depending on your microwave). If reheating on the stove, warm each component in a covered pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Add fresh toppings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor. Just adjust your cooking time to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) inside, and slice or shred them just like you would with chicken breasts.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe?
Definitely! Simply leave out the chicken and add extra beans, grilled veggies, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty, satisfying bowl that’s completely meat-free but just as delicious.
How can I make this recipe low-carb?
Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice to reduce carbs while keeping the bowl packed with veggies and flavor. The rest of the Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe is naturally grain-free, so it’s an easy tweak.
Can I meal prep these bowls for the week?
Yes! Prepare all the components ahead of time and store them individually in the fridge. Then, assemble your bowl each day for a fresh, delicious lunch or dinner in minutes—perfect for busy schedules!
Which toppings go best with these burrito bowls?
The sky’s the limit with toppings! Beyond what’s listed, try diced red onions, sliced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, pickled onions, or extra chipotle sauce. Mixing and matching keeps things exciting all week long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that brings people to the table with big flavors, bright colors, and endless customization, look no further than this Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe. Give it a try, have fun with the toppings, and make it your own—it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!
Print
Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chicken Burrito Bowls are a delicious and wholesome meal option that’s easy to customize and perfect for meal prep. Tender seasoned chicken, rice, beans, corn, and fresh toppings come together for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning or fajita seasoning
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Grill: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and taco seasoning. Bake for 20–25 minutes or grill for 6–7 minutes per side until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Slice thinly.
- Prepare Bowls: While chicken cooks, prepare rice. Set out bowls with black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with sliced chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
- Serve: Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- These bowls are highly customizable—swap in cauliflower rice for a low-carb version or add sautéed peppers and onions for extra flavor.
- Great for meal prep; store components separately for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
