Chicken Burrito Bowl

Say hello to your new favorite meal: the Chicken Burrito Bowl! Packed with tender, seasoned chicken, vibrant cilantro-lime rice, zesty homemade salsa, and a creamy cilantro-lime sauce, this bowl is a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or enjoying it fresh out of the skillet, this customizable bowl is as satisfying as it is delicious.

Best Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

In this post, I’ll guide you through creating a wholesome and flavorful burrito bowl step-by-step. From perfectly cooked rice to juicy chicken and fresh toppings, this recipe brings all the best Tex-Mex flavors to your table.

Making the Taco Seasoning

Combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside. This blend adds a homemade, flavorful touch to your chicken.

Cooking the Chicken

Slice the chicken into strips for even cooking. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the chicken strips. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, cooking the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.

Add lime juice and stir to coat the chicken. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, stirring to evenly coat the strips in bold, smoky flavors. Cook for an additional minute, then remove the chicken from the heat.

Chicken Tips:

• Cut Chicken Evenly: Slice chicken into even strips to ensure uniform cooking.
• Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken sit in lime juice and taco seasoning for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor.
• Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Preparing the Beans

Drain and rinse the black beans under cold water. You can also use pinto beans! Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the beans, salt, and chili powder. Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes, just until the beans are heated through. For extra flavor, add garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper as desired.

Beans Tips:

• Quick Option: Use beans straight from the can without cooking them for a quicker assembly.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lime juice to the beans for an extra zing.
• Alternative Beans: Swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans if preferred.

Making the Salsa

Combine diced red onion, diced tomatoes, cilantro, salt, and lime juice in a bowl. Mix well to create a fresh, tangy salsa. Optional ingredients like oregano or black pepper can enhance the flavor further. If you’re short on time, store-bought salsa works great, too.

Salsa Tips:

10. Drain Tomatoes: If your tomatoes are particularly juicy, drain some liquid to keep your burrito bowls from getting soggy.
11. Store-Bought Shortcut: Use store-bought salsa for convenience, or keep it simple with chopped tomatoes and lime juice.
12. Extra Add-Ins: Mix in diced mango or pineapple for a fruity twist to the salsa.

Whipping Up the Cilantro Lime Sauce

Blend together sour cream (or yogurt), mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, cilantro, salt, and water in a small blender until smooth. For a no-blender option, whisk the ingredients in a bowl until fully combined. This creamy, tangy sauce ties the whole bowl together.

Cilantro Lime Sauce Tips:

• Consistency Control: Add water a little at a time to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free yogurt or vegan alternatives.
• Make Ahead: The sauce can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container.

Assembling the Burrito Bowls

Start with a base of cilantro-lime rice in each bowl. Add the cooked chicken, black beans, and a generous scoop of corn. Spoon the fresh salsa on top and add diced avocado for a creamy texture. Drizzle everything with the cilantro-lime sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice with lime zest for a burst of freshness. Add some tortilla chips on the side for an extra crunch!

Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of your homemade Chicken Burrito Bowl!

Toppings and Assembly Tips:

• Rice Variations: Use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for different textures and health preferences. Or use this recipe for Cilantro Lime Rice.
• Corn Options: Grill the corn for a smoky flavor or use canned or frozen corn for convenience.
• Add Crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips for an added crunch.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble the components separately and store them in meal prep containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: Set up a burrito bowl bar so everyone can customize their bowl with their favorite toppings.

Meal Prep Tips for Chicken Burrito Bowls

This chicken burrito bowl recipe is ideal for meal prepping! Follow these simple steps to have fresh, ready-to-go meals for the week:

1. Prep Ingredients Separately

Cook and store each component in separate airtight containers in the fridge:

• Chicken: Cook and store for up to 3-4 days.
• Beans: Season and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
• Salsa: Make fresh and consume within 2-3 days.
• Cilantro Lime Sauce: Store in a small jar for up to 5 days.
• Rice & Toppings: Prepare rice and keep corn, jalapeños, and lime wedges in containers. Dice avocado fresh before serving.

2. Assemble When Ready to Eat

Layer bowls with rice, chicken, beans, salsa, and toppings. Add sauce and fresh avocado just before eating to maintain freshness.

3. Pre-Assemble (Optional)

If you prefer grab-and-go meals:

• Assemble bowls in meal prep containers, keeping wet ingredients (salsa, sauce) separate. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat chicken, beans, and rice before adding fresh toppings and sauce.

4. Freeze for Later

Freeze cooked chicken, rice, and beans in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed, then assemble with fresh toppings and sauce.

Variations

• Vegetarian Bowl: Replace the chicken with roasted sweet potatoes or grilled tofu. Add extra beans or a medley of sautéed vegetables for a hearty meat-free option.
• Make it a Burrito: Grab some tortillas and wrap all these ingredients up into a delicious burrito!
• Beef or Turkey Burrito Bowl: Swap the chicken for seasoned ground beef, ground turkey, or steak strips. Use the same taco seasoning for a rich and savory flavor.
• Shrimp Bowl: Use shrimp instead of chicken, seasoned with the taco seasoning and cooked until pink and tender. Perfect for a lighter, seafood twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra spicy version.
• Grain-Free Option: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative or try quinoa!
• Add Guacamole: If you want to level this up instead of plain avocado, whip up a batch of easy guac to add!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Burrito Bowl

This recipe is not only delicious but also highly customizable, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. With its balance of protein, veggies, and healthy fats, it’s a nutritious, well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving. Plus, the fresh, homemade components make it even more special.

Love This Recipe? Check Out My Good Eating Bowl eBook!

If you enjoyed this Chicken Burrito Bowl, you’ll love exploring more wholesome and delicious bowl recipes in my Good Eating Bowl eBook. Packed with creative ideas, flavorful combinations, and tips for making the perfect meal every time, it’s your ultimate guide to nutritious and satisfying meals. Take a peek and get inspired for your next bowl creation!

Happy cooking, friends! Share your creations with me on Instagram and let me know how your burrito bowl turns out!