A Chicken Burrito Bowl is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that brings together all the delicious elements of a traditional burrito without the tortilla.

Packed with juicy chicken, rice, beans, fresh vegetables, and zesty seasonings, this dish is rich in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a meal prep option, or a satisfying family dinner, this Chicken Burrito Bowl is perfect for any occasion, offering a tasty and wholesome meal in every bite.

Preparation and Cooking Time

One of the best things about a Chicken Burrito Bowl is that it doesn’t take much time to prepare. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated time required:

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

This quick and simple recipe ensures you can enjoy a homemade, restaurant-quality meal in under an hour.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Easy Cooking

To make the cooking process smooth and efficient, it’s helpful to have the right kitchen tools on hand. Here are some essentials:

Cutting board and sharp knife – For chopping vegetables and slicing chicken.
Large skillet or pan – To cook the chicken and other ingredients evenly.
Mixing bowls – For preparing ingredients like the seasoning mix and sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure the right balance of flavors.
Rice cooker or saucepan – For cooking rice perfectly.
Tongs or a spatula – To handle the chicken while cooking.
Serving bowls – To present your burrito bowl beautifully.

With these tools, making a Chicken Burrito Bowl becomes an effortless and enjoyable experience.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about a Chicken Burrito Bowl is its versatility. Here are some variations you can try:

Make it low-carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of greens.
Use different proteins: Try shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, cucumbers, and jalapeños add more flavor and crunch.
Spice it up: Use extra hot sauce or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

For a skillet-based variation, try this Chicken Burrito Skillet recipe.

Ingredients for a Perfect Chicken Burrito Bowl

To create a flavorful and satisfying burrito bowl, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Juice of 1 lime

For the Bowl:

2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup diced red onions
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
Lime wedges for serving

For the Chicken Burrito Bowl Sauce:

1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make a Chicken Burrito Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will be your Chicken Burrito Bowl seasoning.
Rub the seasoning mix onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

If you haven’t cooked the rice yet, prepare it according to the package instructions.
Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), hot sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
Stir well until smooth and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Burrito Bowl

Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls.
Top with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onions, and avocado slices.
Sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro.
Drizzle the Chicken Burrito Bowl sauce over the top.
Add a dollop of sour cream if desired and serve with lime wedges.

Tips for the Best Burrito Bowl

Marinate for extra flavor: Let the chicken sit in the seasoning for 15–30 minutes before cooking.
Use freshly squeezed lime juice for a citrusy zing.
Warm the beans and corn before assembling the bowl for added comfort.
Double the sauce if you love extra creaminess!
Don’t skip the rest time after cooking chicken—it keeps it juicy.

How to Serve a Chicken Burrito Bowl?

Chicken Burrito Bowls are perfect for quick dinners, packed lunches, or casual gatherings. Serve them fresh with your favorite toppings, or create a DIY burrito bowl bar so everyone can build their own. You can also enjoy a Chicken Burrito Recipe with Red and Green Sauce for a flavorful twist.

Add tortilla chips on the side or crumble them on top for extra crunch. For a spicy kick, include sliced jalapeños or hot sauce. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is satisfying, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 500–550
Protein: 35g (for chicken)
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 10g

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe?

This Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe is perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. It’s simple, quick to prepare, and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re making it fresh or using it for meal prep, it provides a wholesome, satisfying meal with a burst of Mexican-inspired flavors.

Storing and Reheating

This dish is meal prep-friendly and reheats beautifully.

Storing:

Chicken and rice: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Fresh toppings: Store separately to keep them crisp.
Sauce: Keep in a small airtight container.

Reheating:

Microwave chicken and rice for 1–2 minutes until warm.
Add toppings and sauce after reheating to keep them fresh and vibrant.

FAQ’s

Q. What does a chicken burrito bowl contain?

A chicken burrito bowl contains seasoned chicken, rice (or cauliflower rice), black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onions, avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, and a tangy sauce like Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Q. What to put inside a chicken burrito?

A chicken burrito typically includes seasoned chicken, rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños.

Q. What does a burrito bowl include?

A burrito bowl includes rice or greens, protein (chicken, beef, tofu), black beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.

Q. What ingredients do you need for a burrito bowl?

For a burrito bowl, you need rice or greens, protein, black beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and seasoning.

Ash Tyrrell