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Skinny Chicken Burrito Bowls - Fresh, Flavorful, and Weeknight Easy

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 if you prefer)
  • Grain base: 2 cups cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice (for extra lightness)
  • Beans: 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)
  • Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, 1 small red onion, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 avocado
  • Greens: 2 cups chopped romaine or shredded lettuce (optional but adds crunch)
  • Fresh flavor: 1 bunch cilantro, 2 limes
  • Salsa: 1 cup pico de gallo or your favorite salsa
  • Yogurt sauce: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat), 1 teaspoon lime zest, pinch of salt
  • Oil: 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper
  • Optional extras: Shredded light cheddar or cotija, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Cook the grain base: Prepare brown rice according to package directions. For a lighter bowl, sauté cauliflower rice in a nonstick skillet with a dash of oil and salt until tender, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Mix the spice blend: 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 oregano, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and rub the spice blend all over both sides.
  4. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook 4–6 minutes per side, until the thickest part reaches 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice.
  5. Char the veggies (optional but tasty): In the same skillet, add sliced red onion and bell pepper with a pinch of salt. Cook 3–4 minutes until slightly softened and lightly charred. Stir in the corn for 1–2 minutes to warm.
  6. Prep the fresh toppings: Halve the tomatoes, chop the cilantro, slice the avocado, and cut the limes into wedges. Rinse and drain the black beans.
  7. Make the yogurt-lime sauce: Stir together Greek yogurt, lime zest, a squeeze of lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Thin with a teaspoon of water if you want a drizzle.
  8. Assemble the bowls: Add rice or cauliflower rice to each bowl. Top with sliced chicken, beans, corn-pepper-onion mix, tomatoes, avocado, and a handful of greens. Spoon over salsa and a light drizzle of yogurt sauce. Finish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
  9. Adjust to taste: Add hot sauce, extra salt, or more lime as needed. If using cheese, keep it minimal for a lighter bowl.