Description
This Chicken Burrito Bowls recipe combines tender, spice-rubbed grilled chicken with fresh ingredients like black beans, corn, and avocado over a bed of flavorful rice. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal that brings Mexican-inspired flavors to your table, it’s ideal for meal prep or a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Base and Toppings
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime)
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- 1 avocado (sliced or diced)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub and chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful spice rub. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts to fully coat them and infuse the chicken with rich spices.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy. Once done, remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then slice thinly for serving.
- Assemble the burrito bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among 4 bowls as the base. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes or pico de gallo. Add avocado slices, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, and add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Garnish and serve: Finish each bowl with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to brighten the flavors. Serve warm to enjoy a balanced and delicious meal.
Notes
- Customize your bowls by adding sautéed bell peppers, jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce for extra heat and flavor.
- Grilled chicken can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making this recipe excellent for meal prep.
- Try using cilantro-lime rice to add an additional layer of freshness and flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or sautéed vegetables.
