Delicious Chicken Burrito Bowls

Say hello to your new favorite weeknight meal: the irresistible chicken burrito bowl! Bursting with vibrant, Chipotle-inspired flavors, this dish delivers on taste and nutrition. Each bowl is packed with lean protein and wholesome ingredients, making it a satisfying and balanced choice. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or as a fantastic meal prep option for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore this chicken burrito bowl for so many reasons. It captures that craveable, fresh Chipotle-inspired taste you love, all made right in your own kitchen. This recipe is a powerhouse of nutrition, boasting 45 grams of protein and plenty of fiber per serving to keep you full and energized.

For more information on why protein and fiber are crucial for a healthy diet and satiety, check out insights from medical experts. The health benefits of adequate protein and fiber intake are widely recognized.

Every bite is an explosion of vibrant flavors from the zesty lime to the smoky chipotle. Plus, these homemade burrito bowls are endlessly customizable; you can easily swap ingredients to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. They’re also absolutely perfect for convenient meal prep, simplifying your healthy eating goals throughout the week.

Ingredients

Crafting the perfect chicken burrito bowl starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed dish, from the succulent marinated chicken to the zesty cilantro lime rice and all the fresh toppings. Every component comes together to build an unforgettable experience.

For the Chicken

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 chipotle chilis in adobo sauce finely chopped, plus 1 ½ tablespoon adobo sauce
• 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ pounds chicken breast cut into strips

For the Cilantro Lime Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
• 1 ½ cups water
• ¼ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
• 1 lime zested plus 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

To Assemble

• 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
• 1 cup tomatoes diced
• 1 avocado chopped
• 1 cup frozen corn thawed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans rinsed and drained
• ½ small red onion chopped

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to customize your chicken burrito bowl! You can easily use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast for a richer flavor. Adjust the amount of chipotle chilis and adobo sauce to achieve your desired level of spice. If you’re short on time, substitute the garlic powder and salt with 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite taco seasoning. For a heartier meal, swap white rice for nutritious brown rice. If cilantro isn’t your favorite, fresh parsley makes a wonderful alternative. Enhance your bowl further with a dollop of creamy guacamole or a sprinkle of tangy pickled red onions.

Equipment

Gathering your tools before you start cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable. For this delicious chicken burrito bowl, you will need just a few basic kitchen items. Having these ready will ensure a seamless cooking experience.

• Large mixing bowl
• Large pan or skillet
• Pot with lid
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus juicer (optional, but helpful for fresh lime juice)

Instructions

Creating your incredible chicken burrito bowl is a straightforward process, designed to bring maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful meal ready to enjoy in no time.

1. Marinate the Chicken: Begin by preparing the flavorful chicken marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, finely chopped chipotle chilies, the reserved adobo sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Stir all these ingredients together until well combined. Add the chicken breast strips to the marinade, tossing them thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl tightly and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or for an even deeper flavor, let it marinate overnight. This step infuses the chicken with incredible taste for your ultimate chicken burrito bowl.
2. Cook the Chicken: When you’re ready to cook, heat a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully remove the marinated chicken from the bowl, discarding any excess marinade. Add the chicken strips directly to the hot pan. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is completely cooked through and lightly browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes depending on the thickness of the strips. Ensuring chicken reaches a safe internal temperature is crucial for food safety. The USDA’s recommended cooking temperatures for poultry specify 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set it aside.
3. Cook the Cilantro Lime Rice: While the chicken cooks, prepare the fragrant cilantro lime rice. Add the rinsed long-grain white rice and ¼ teaspoon of salt to a pot containing 1 ½ cups of boiling water. Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer. Cook the rice undisturbed for 15-18 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is perfectly tender. Do not lift the lid during this cooking time. Once done, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. Uncover the pot, fluff the rice gently with a fork, then fold in the fresh lime zest, 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, and the chopped cilantro. Taste and add additional salt if needed. This zesty rice is a perfect base for your chicken burrito bowl.
4. Assemble the Bowls: Now for the best part – assembling your delicious chicken burrito bowls! Take your serving bowls and start by layering a generous portion of the cilantro lime rice at the bottom. Next, add a layer of crisp chopped romaine lettuce. Artfully arrange the cooked chicken strips over the rice and lettuce. Then, top each bowl with colorful additions: diced tomatoes, creamy chopped avocado, sweet thawed corn, rinsed black beans, and a sprinkle of finely chopped red onions. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade chicken burrito bowl creation!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect chicken burrito bowl is simple with a few expert tips. These suggestions will help enhance flavors and ensure a smooth cooking process every time.

• Optimal Marinade Time: Marinate your chicken for the full overnight duration whenever possible. This allows the flavors to truly penetrate, creating a more tender and robustly flavored chicken burrito bowl.
• Preventing Dry Chicken: Chicken breast can dry out quickly. Watch it closely and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s cooked through. Overcooking leads to tough, less enjoyable chicken.
• Perfect Rice Texture: For fluffy, perfectly cooked rice, resist the urge to lift the lid while it simmers. Peeking releases steam and can disrupt the cooking process, leading to undercooked or sticky rice.
• Customizing Spice: Adjust the quantity of chipotle chilies and adobo sauce according to your personal heat preference. Start with less and add more if you prefer a spicier chicken burrito bowl.
• Adding Moisture: If your bowl feels a bit dry, a drizzle of extra fresh lime juice or a spoonful of your favorite salsa can add a burst of moisture and flavor.

Serving & Storage & Variations

These versatile chicken burrito bowls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. They offer countless ways to customize and enjoy them.

Serving Suggestions

• Rice Choices: Serve your delicious chicken burrito bowl over fragrant basmati rice or wholesome brown rice for a different texture.
• Low-Carb Options: For a lighter, low-carb meal, substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or finely chopped broccoli rice.
• Crunchy Sides: Pair your bowls with crunchy pita chips or a side of savory sweet potato chips for extra texture.
• Sauce Bar: Offer a variety of salsas, such as classic tomato salsa, sweet corn salsa, black bean salsa, or even a summery peach salsa.
• Creamy Toppings: Top your chicken burrito bowl with a dollop of cool sour cream, creamy Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added richness.

Variations

• Different Protein: Experiment with other proteins! Try grilled shrimp, seasoned ground beef, or even flaky fish for a new twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Easily transform this into a vegetarian burrito bowl by omitting the chicken and adding extra black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or seasoned baked tofu.
• Burrito Salad: If you prefer a lighter meal, simply omit the rice and increase the amount of chopped lettuce to create a hearty burrito salad.

Storage Instructions

• Separate Storage: For optimal freshness and texture, store the cooked chicken and the cilantro lime rice separately in individual airtight containers.
• Refrigeration: The cooked chicken and rice will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Store fresh toppings like avocado and tomatoes separately and add just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken and rice in individual portions for up to one month. This is excellent for convenient meal prep.
• Reheating: Reheat frozen or refrigerated chicken and rice in the microwave until warmed through, or in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition

Enjoying a hearty and flavorful chicken burrito bowl doesn’t mean sacrificing your health goals. This recipe is designed to be both delicious and nutritious, providing a balanced meal that fuels your body. Below is a detailed breakdown of the nutritional content per serving.

FAQ

You’ve got questions, and we have answers to help you master this delightful chicken burrito bowl recipe. Here are some common inquiries about preparing and serving your homemade bowls.

• Can I make this chicken in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Add the marinated chicken with about ½ cup of broth or water to a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours until tender.
• How many grams of protein are in each serving? Each delicious chicken burrito bowl contains a generous 45 grams of protein, making it a truly satisfying meal.
• Can I serve the burrito bowls cold? Absolutely! These bowls are wonderfully versatile and equally delicious served cool, especially on a warm day or for a refreshing packed lunch.
• Can I freeze the marinated chicken before cooking? Yes, you can freeze the raw marinated chicken in an airtight freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before cooking.
• What are good alternatives to cilantro lime rice? For different flavors or dietary needs, consider quinoa, brown rice, or a lighter option like cauliflower rice as a base.

Conclusion

This incredible chicken burrito bowl recipe truly makes cooking an exciting and rewarding experience. It combines fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and simple steps to create a meal that’s both healthy and utterly delicious. With its high protein content and potential for easy meal prep, it’s a perfect choice for anyone seeking flavorful home cooking. We encourage you to try this recipe, customize it to your heart’s content, and share your delightful creations or leave a comment below!

Delicious Chicken Burrito Bowls

These flavorful chicken burrito bowls feature marinated chipotle chicken, zesty cilantro lime rice, and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, corn, black beans, and red onion, all served in a convenient bowl.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Servings 4 bowls

Calories 550 kcal

Kitchen Equipment

• Large bowl
• Large pan
• Pot
• fork

Recipe Ingredients

  

For the chicken

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 chipotle chilis in adobo sauce finely chopped
• 1 ½ tablespoon adobo sauce
• 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ pounds chicken breast cut into strips

For the cilantro lime rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
• 1 ½ cups water
• ¼ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
• 1 lime zested plus 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup cilantro chopped

To assemble

• 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
• 1 cup tomatoes diced
• 1 avocado chopped
• 1 cup frozen corn thawed
• 1 black beans (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained
• ½ red onion small, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

 

To make the chicken

• Combine oil, lime juice, chopped chilies, adobo sauce, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat, then cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook, stirring, until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

To make the rice

• Add salt and rice to a pot of boiling water. Return to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
• Uncover and fluff with a fork. Toss in lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, and additional salt to taste.

To assemble

• Arrange rice and lettuce in the bottom of a serving bowl.
• Top with the chicken, diced tomatoes, diced avocados, corn, black beans, and red onions.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add more chipotle chilis or a dash of hot sauce to your bowl. You can also customize toppings with sour cream, cheese, or salsa.

Keyword Chicken Burrito Bowl