If you love bold flavors and fuss-free meals, this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a vibrant bowl filled with juicy, spiced chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in one pan to lock in flavor and simplify cleanup. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that brings the zest of Mexican-inspired cuisine right to your table, bursting with textures and colors that make each bite as exciting as the last. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers deliciousness with ease and soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting together the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors. From the tender chicken to the zesty lime finish, every element brings something special to the table.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, it adds a subtle richness and helps seal in the spices.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: The main protein that absorbs all the wonderful seasonings perfectly.
- Cumin: Provides an earthy warmth that deepens the dish’s overall flavor profile.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smoky note that makes the chicken truly stand out.
- Chili powder: Brings just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These pantry staples layer in a fragrant foundation of flavor.
- Black beans: For hearty texture and plant-based protein, balancing the bowl beautifully.
- Frozen corn: Adds a pop of sweetness and bright color.
- Long-grain white rice: Acts as the fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious sauce and juices.
- Chicken broth: Provides moisture and depth to perfectly cook the rice with flavor.
- Salt and pepper: The essential seasonings that bring all the ingredients together.
- Diced tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they add moisture and a slight tanginess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For a melty, creamy topping that makes the dish irresistible.
- Fresh cilantro: Offers a burst of herbaceous brightness as a finishing touch.
- Lime juice: The perfect zesty squeeze to balance and lift all the flavors.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat — this will give your chicken a nice golden sear. Toss in the diced chicken breasts, then sprinkle the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper right on top. These spices create that signature burrito bowl kick everyone loves. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes until it’s fully cooked through and beautifully golden. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside for the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
Using the same skillet, add the rinsed long-grain white rice and pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a stir to combine the flavors left behind from the chicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it’s tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. This method ensures the rice stays fluffy yet flavorful from the broth and pan drippings.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once your rice is perfectly cooked, stir in the black beans, frozen corn, diced tomatoes, and the cooked chicken pieces. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. This melds the ingredients and warms them evenly, giving you a harmonious blend of textures and tastes in every spoonful.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the skillet concoction, then cover it to let the cheese melt. This only takes about 2 to 3 minutes, but it adds such a luscious finishing touch that you won’t want to skip. The gooey cheese binds everything together, creating that cozy, creamy factor that makes this bowl feel like a warm hug.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
After you remove the skillet from the heat, finish it off by garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and a good squeeze of lime juice. This final step adds an instant brightness and freshness that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality meals. Serve it straight from the skillet or transfer to individual bowls — either way, you’re in for a real treat.
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
To take your burrito bowl to the next level, consider topping it with extras like diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños for heat lovers, or a handful of crunchy tortilla chips. These add layers of creaminess, spice, and crunch that complement the warm, savory base beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is already packed with flavor and textures, but if you want to add a refreshing side, try a simple Mexican street corn salad or a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette. These fresh sides balance the heartiness of your burrito bowl and keep the meal vibrant and light.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe in colorful, individual mini cast iron skillets or mason jars for a fun presentation at parties or potlucks. You can also layer the ingredients in clear glass bowls to show off the beautiful colors and textures, making the dish as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover burrito bowl? No problem. Simply store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals or snacks without losing any of the dish’s deliciousness.
Freezing
If you want to stock up for busy weeks, this recipe freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the flavors remain intact, although the texture of some ingredients like corn might soften slightly.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a skillet on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice after reheating helps refresh the flavors and keep the dish tasting just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice works great for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, but it will take longer to cook—usually around 40-45 minutes. You might want to cook the brown rice separately and then combine it with the other ingredients to ensure everything comes together perfectly.
Is this recipe spicy?
This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe has a mild kick thanks to the chili powder and spices but isn’t overly spicy. If you like it hotter, you can add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and use extra beans, tofu, or even roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. Just adjust the seasonings and cooking times accordingly, and you’ll have a tasty plant-based version of this dish.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cheddar or want a different flavor, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of queso fresco work wonderfully. For a dairy-free option, try a vegan cheese alternative that melts well.
Can this recipe be made gluten free?
Definitely! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, just make sure your chicken broth and seasoning blends don’t contain any hidden gluten. It’s an easy and safe option for gluten-sensitive diners.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is a shining example of how flavorful, comforting, and simple weeknight dinners can be. With its vibrant ingredients, bold spices, and minimal cleanup, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes to feed yourself, your family, or your friends. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious burst of Mexican-inspired goodness all in one pan!
Print
One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal that combines tender diced chicken seasoned with chili powder and smoked paprika, fluffy white rice, black beans, and corn all cooked together in one skillet. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, this dish offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner for four.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, add the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 12–15 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the black beans, frozen corn, diced tomatoes, and the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the rice. Cook everything together for 3–4 minutes until heated through well.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet’s contents. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with fresh chopped cilantro and squeeze the juice of one lime over the top to add a fresh, zesty flavor. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños along with the spices.
- You can substitute brown rice if you prefer a whole grain option, but increase the cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth you use is certified gluten-free.
- Feel free to add avocado slices or sour cream on top before serving for extra creaminess.
