If there’s one meal I can never get enough of, it’s a Chicken Burrito Bowl. It’s colorful, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable. I remember putting this bowl together for the first time, and being blown away by how easy it was to recreate something better than takeout.
The moment the tangy cilantro lime rice, smoky chicken, and crunchy toppings came together, I knew I had a winner. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a group. Let’s get into it!
Ingredients for Chicken Burrito Bowl
A good burrito bowl starts with fresh ingredients that each play an important role. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds of chicken breast – It’s lean, protein-packed, and absorbs marinades beautifully. You can also use thighs for a juicier option.
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – Smoky, spicy, and full of bold flavor. Add 1 ½ tablespoons of the adobo sauce for an extra kick.
- 3 tablespoons of lime juice – Helps tenderize the chicken and adds zest.
- 3 tablespoons of avocado oil – Keeps the chicken juicy while cooking.
- 1 ½ teaspoons of garlic powder – Deepens flavor and pairs perfectly with the peppers.
- ¾ teaspoon of salt – Enhances all the other flavors in the marinade.
For the cilantro lime rice:
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice – Fluffy and neutral, a great base for seasoning. Rinse it before cooking for best texture.
- 1 ½ cups of water – To cook the rice to the perfect consistency.
- ¼ teaspoon of salt, plus more to taste – Ensures the rice has a base flavor even before adding other ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice + zest of 1 lime – Adds brightness and a bit of tang.
- ¼ cup of chopped cilantro – For that signature freshness and herby note.
For the toppings:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped – Crisp and adds a refreshing crunch.
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes – Adds juiciness and balances the heat from the chicken.
- 1 avocado, diced – Creamy and packed with healthy fats.
- 1 cup of thawed frozen corn – Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained – Adds fiber and protein.
- ½ small red onion, chopped – A touch of sharp sweetness.
Note: This recipe serves four people. Adjust quantities as needed for more or fewer servings.
Variations
The beauty of a burrito bowl is how customizable it is. Here are some ideas to suit different tastes or diets:
- For a low-carb version: Swap the white rice for cauliflower rice.
- For a dairy-free twist: Skip the sour cream or use a plant-based yogurt as topping.
- For extra protein: Add grilled shrimp, steak, or a boiled egg.
- Add heat: Mix in diced jalapeños, serrano peppers, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Switch up the lettuce: Use spinach or kale for added nutrients.
For a hearty twist, you might also enjoy this stuffed bell peppers recipe.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Equipment You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe seamlessly:
- Large bowl – To marinate the chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To get perfect proportions for the ingredients.
- Nonstick skillet – For cooking the chicken evenly without sticking.
- Medium saucepan – To cook the cilantro lime rice.
- Knife and cutting board – For chopping all the fresh toppings.
- Mixing spoon or tongs – For tossing the chicken and rice thoroughly.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowl?
Marinate and Cook the Chicken
Start by combining the avocado oil, lime juice, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Add in the chicken strips and toss until fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. When you’re ready, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until juicy and golden.
Cook the Cilantro Lime Rice
While the chicken marinates or cooks, prepare your rice. Begin by rinsing the grains to remove excess starch. Boil 1 ½ cups of water in a medium saucepan with a bit of salt. Add the rice, cover the pan, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes until tender. Once cooked, fluff the rice and toss it with lime juice, zest, and chopped cilantro.
Assemble the Burrito Bowl
To assemble, layer your bowl like a pro. Start with a generous serving of cilantro lime rice as your base. Top it with chopped romaine lettuce, followed by the smoky chicken. Add a spoonful of black beans, corn, fresh tomatoes, red onions, and creamy avocado. Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my experience, these tips make a big difference when whipping up this Chicken Burrito Bowl:
- Marinate the chicken overnight if you have the time. The extra hours will make the chicken even more flavorful.
- Use fresh lime and cilantro for the rice. It’s worth it, trust me.
- Cook the rice without peeking. Keeping the lid closed ensures tender, evenly-cooked grains.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Aim for juicy, golden edges, not dry or hard pieces.
- Finish with a drizzle of dressing like a spicy crema or avocado lime sauce for added flair.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Bowl?
Presentation matters! Serve your Chicken Burrito Bowl in wide, shallow bowls to show off all the beautiful colors and layers. Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a professional touch. For an added crunch, serve with tortilla chips on the side. For a Mediterranean-inspired pairing, consider trying this Mediterranean baked fish alongside your soup.
Nutritional Information
This chicken burrito bowl is both satisfying and nutritious. Per serving, you’ll get approximately:
- Calories: 761
- Protein: 52g
- Carbohydrates: 82g
- Fat: 27g
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Cook the chicken and rice up to 3-4 days in advance. Store them in separate containers in the fridge to retain freshness.
- Storing: Keep leftovers in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store toppings like avocado and tomatoes separately to maintain their freshness.
- Freezing: The cooked chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the rice and chicken in the microwave or skillet until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this Chicken Burrito Bowl is bound to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Super customizable: Whether you want it spicy, mild, gluten-free, or low-carb, it adapts perfectly.
- Meal prep champion: Keeps well and makes weekday lunches a breeze.
- Affordable yet gourmet: Costs less than takeout but feels like a restaurant-quality meal.
- Packed with nutrients: Loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats while still tasting indulgent.
With this easy-to-follow guide, you’re all set to whip up a fresh, colorful, and satisfying Chicken Burrito Bowl that’ll rival any restaurant version. Time to dig in and enjoy every flavorful bite! For more creative recipes, check out our collection of Dinner Ideas.