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Protein Packed Chicken Burrito Bowls - A Fast, Flavorful Weeknight Win

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Rice: 1.5 cups uncooked white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice)
  • Beans: 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained if canned)
  • Bell pepper: 1 large, any color
  • Red onion: 1 small
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Avocado: 1 large
  • Salsa: 1 cup (pico de gallo or your favorite jarred salsa)
  • Limes: 2 (zest and juice)
  • Cilantro: 1 small bunch
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream: For topping (optional)
  • Cheese: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija (optional)
  • Olive oil: 2–3 tablespoons
  • Spices: Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper: To taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice: Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Cook according to package directions. Fluff with a fork, then mix in the zest and juice of 1 lime, 1–2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Set aside, covered.
  2. Prep the produce: Dice the bell pepper and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Cube or slice the avocado just before serving. Roughly chop more cilantro for garnish.
  3. Make the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then coat all sides with the spice rub. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you heat the pan.
  5. Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the center reaches 165°F/74°C. Remove to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes.
  6. Warm the beans and corn: In the same skillet over medium, add the black beans and corn with a splash of water. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime. Warm for 2–3 minutes.
  7. Slice the chicken: Cut into thin strips or bite-size cubes. Drizzle any pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor.
  8. Assemble the bowls: Add a scoop of cilantro-lime rice to each bowl. Top with chicken, beans and corn, bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, and avocado.
  9. Add toppings: Spoon on salsa. Finish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  10. Serve: Enjoy warm. Store leftovers in separate containers for easy lunches.