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Easy Flavor-Packed Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe for Perfect Meal Prep

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A quick and easy chicken burrito bowl recipe perfect for meal prep, packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients that keep lunches and dinners fresh and tasty all week long.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of half a lime
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Zest of one lime
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
  • Fresh lime wedges (for serving)
  • Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Toss chicken breasts in the marinade until well coated. Let sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour in the fridge.
  2. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add rice and a pinch of salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes (white rice) or about 40 minutes (brown rice). Fluff with a fork and stir in cilantro and lime zest. Keep covered and warm.
  3. Heat skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken breasts and cook 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  4. While chicken cooks, rinse and drain black beans, halve cherry tomatoes, dice red onion, and slice avocado. Lightly sauté corn if fresh or frozen until tender.
  5. Assemble bowls starting with cilantro-lime rice, layer sliced chicken, then black beans, corn, tomatoes, and onion. Add cheese and avocado if desired. Finish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, squeeze fresh lime juice, and add hot sauce if desired.
  6. For meal prep, divide into airtight containers. Keep avocado and sour cream separate until serving. Refrigerate up to 4-5 days.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes for best flavor. Rinse rice to remove excess starch for fluffier texture. If chicken browns too fast, lower heat and cover pan briefly. Keep avocado and sour cream separate when storing to avoid browning and sogginess.

Nutrition

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