Chicken Burrito Bowl with cilantro lime rice, grilled chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, and cheese.

Chicken Burrito Bowls

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Chicken Burrito Bowls

Chicken Burrito Bowls are loaded with seasoned chicken, cilantro lime rice, black beans, corn, fresh vegetables, cheese, and creamy avocado. These customizable bowls are packed with flavor, perfect for meal prep, and make an easy family-friendly dinner that everyone can build their own way.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime
For the Cilantro Lime Rice
  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Bowl Toppings
  • 1 can 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 avocado diced
  • ½ red onion diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Optional Toppings
  • Sour cream
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Pico de gallo
  • Guacamole
  • Hot sauce
  • Tortilla strips

Method
 

Step 1: Season the Chicken
  1. In a bowl combine:
  2. Olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
  3. Add chicken and toss until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
  1. Add rice, broth, and butter to a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
  4. Fluff with a fork.
  5. Stir in lime juice and cilantro.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
  3. Step 4: Prepare Toppings
  4. While the chicken cooks, prepare:
  5. Black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cheese.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
  1. Divide cilantro lime rice among bowls.
  2. Top with:
  3. Chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cheese
  4. Add sour cream, jalapeños, and tortilla strips if desired.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Enjoying this recipe? You may also love my Comfort Dinner Guide — a simple collection of easy, cozy meal ideas for busy weeknights. It’s a helpful extra resource for those nights when you want something comforting without overthinking dinner.

🔄 Variations

Steak Burrito Bowls

Replace chicken with:

  • Grilled steak strips

Spicy Burrito Bowls

Add:

  • Chipotle peppers in adobo
  • Jalapeños
  • Hot sauce

Low-Carb Burrito Bowls

Replace rice with:

  • Cauliflower rice
  • Lettuce

Fajita Burrito Bowls

Add:

  • Sautéed bell peppers
  • Sautéed onions

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Tortilla chips
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Mexican street corn
  • Cilantro lime slaw

Perfect for meal prep lunches and busy weeknight dinners.

🧊 Storage

Refrigerator

Store components separately for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze chicken and rice separately for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat rice and chicken before assembling bowls.

Add fresh toppings afterward.

💡Pro Tips

✔ Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.

✔ Store toppings separately for meal prep.

✔ Rotisserie chicken can save time.

✔ Warm black beans before serving.

✔ Add avocado just before eating to prevent browning.

❓ FAQs

Can I make these ahead?

Yes. These are excellent for meal prep.

What rice works best?

Jasmine rice, basmati rice, or long-grain white rice.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful.

How can I make it healthier?

Use brown rice and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Are burrito bowls freezer-friendly?

The chicken and rice freeze well, but fresh toppings should be added later.

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