If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying meal, this Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with tender marinated chicken, colorful veggies, creamy avocado, and a zing of lime, every bite brings a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s a fabulous one-bowl wonder that’s both nutritious and bursting with textures, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat with friends. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe, you’ll keep coming back for more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a dish full of flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role—from the seasoned chicken to the fresh greens, the creamy avocado, and the hint of spice that wakes up the palate.
- Olive Oil: A heart-healthy base for the marinade that helps the spices stick beautifully to the chicken.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Adds a bright, zesty punch that elevates every ingredient.
- Paprika, Ground Cumin, Chili Powder: These spices bring warmth and a subtle smoky depth to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano: Layered aromatics that enhance the savory character.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star protein that absorbs all those flavors and stays juicy when cooked right.
- Cooked Brown Rice: A nutty, fiber-rich base that complements the fresh toppings.
- Avocado: Creamy texture and mild flavor add richness and balance.
- Mixed Greens: Freshness and a bit of crunch, adding great color contrast.
- Black Beans: Protein-packed and hearty for an extra wholesome touch.
- Corn (canned or grilled): Sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spices.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy bursts of flavor and a beautiful pop of red.
- Greek Yogurt: A cool, creamy dollop that cools the slight heat from the jalapeño.
- Red Onion, Jalapeño Pepper: Sharpness and spice to wake up your taste buds.
- Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Cilantro: Essential finishing touches that tie all the flavors together.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the olive oil, fresh lime juice, and all the spices in a bowl to create a vibrant marinade. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly, making sure every bit soaks up those delicious seasonings. Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you can wait, is the secret to juicy, intensely flavored meat that makes this Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe truly shine.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken over medium heat, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside tender and moist. Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes—this keeps the juices locked in—then slice it thinly to layer on your bowl.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
Divide the warm cooked brown rice and fresh mixed greens between serving bowls. The brown rice provides a nutty heartiness, while the greens add a crisp, refreshing contrast that lightens each bite.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Now, it’s time for the fun part—topping your bowl! Layer on the sliced chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, diced red onion, and jalapeño slices. This combo ensures every forkful has a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, sweet, and savory.
Step 5: Finish with a Tangy Drizzle
Drizzle a little extra lime juice over everything, then dollop with Greek yogurt for a cooling touch. Season generously with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for that fresh herbal burst. These finishing touches bring the entire Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe together into a harmonious flavor party.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like extra cilantro leaves or a wedge of lime served alongside add a refreshing lift and a beautiful presentation. For those who like a bit of heat, a few jalapeño slices on top can bring an extra kick of spice right at the table.
Side Dishes
This chicken burrito bowl is quite a complete meal on its own, but if you want to serve it with sides, consider tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole for a fun crunch. A light Mexican street corn salad would also pair beautifully, enhancing the smoky and fresh flavors of the bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe in individual mason jars for an eye-catching lunch or picnic option. Layer the ingredients from grains and greens at the bottom up to the toppings, so everything stays fresh and vibrant until you’re ready to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and toppings in airtight containers and refrigerate. It’s best to store the chicken separately from the avocado and Greek yogurt to prevent sogginess and maintain freshness in your Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe leftovers.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken and rice portions, but it’s best to avoid freezing fresh toppings like avocado and greens. Freeze the protein and grains in freezer-safe containers for up to three months to enjoy later. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. Reassemble the bowl with fresh greens, avocado, and yogurt after warming for a perfectly balanced meal, even on reheat day.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which makes them juicy and flavorful. Adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked and enjoy the richer taste in your Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your spices and canned ingredients don’t contain added gluten. It’s a great option for anyone needing to avoid gluten without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply skip the chicken and add extra black beans, grilled veggies, or even tofu for protein. You’ll still get that fresh, vibrant bowl that’s full of flavor and texture.
How spicy is the dish?
The heat in this Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is mild and can easily be adjusted. Leaving out or reducing jalapeño slices will lower the spice, while adding more will give it an extra kick if you like things spicy.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken?
Grilling gives a beautiful smoky flavor, but pan-searing works just as well for a juicy and flavorful result. Use a preheated pan and avoid overcrowding so the chicken gets a nice sear instead of steaming.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe enough for anyone looking for a quick, fresh, and delicious meal that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients, bold flavors, and easy to make, which means it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—you’re sure to fall in love with how comforting and vibrant a burrito bowl can be!
Print
Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
This vibrant Chicken Burrito Bowl is a healthy and flavorful meal perfect for quick lunches or dinners. Featuring tender marinated chicken grilled to perfection, nestled atop a bed of brown rice and mixed greens, and topped with fresh avocado, black beans, sweet corn, and zesty lime juice, this bowl offers a delicious balance of protein, fiber, and fresh veggies. A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess without the heaviness, making it a wholesome, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of salt and pepper, or to taste
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Bowl Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 small avocado, sliced
- 2 cups mixed greens
- ½ cup black beans
- ½ cup canned corn, drained or grilled
- â…“ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Small handful of chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken marinade: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours to deepen flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium heat. Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest briefly, then slice it thinly.
- Assemble the base: Divide the cooked brown rice and mixed greens evenly between serving bowls, forming the foundation.
- Add toppings: Layer the sliced chicken on top of the rice and greens. Add black beans, drained or grilled corn, quartered cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, diced red onion, and sliced jalapeño evenly across each bowl.
- Finish and season: Drizzle each bowl with lime juice and place a dollop of Greek yogurt on top. Season with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and sprinkle chopped cilantro. Garnish with additional cilantro for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, char the canned corn on the grill before adding to the bowl.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your spice preference; remove seeds for less heat.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure all canned ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
- Leftover chicken and components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a wedge of lime for an additional fresh citrus boost.
