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To make tasty chicken burrito bowls, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 chicken breasts, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup brown rice (or quinoa for a lighter option) - 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh) - 1 medium tomato, diced - 1 avocado, diced - 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped - ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice) - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 lime, juiced - Salsa and sour cream for serving (optional) You can add more flavor and texture with these optional ingredients: - Jalapeños for heat - Sour cream for creaminess - Guacamole for richness - Extra veggies like bell peppers or onions - Different types of cheese like pepper jack Feel free to change the recipe to fit your diet: - Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian option. - Try brown rice or quinoa for a gluten-free base. - Swap black beans with pinto beans or chickpeas. - Choose dairy-free cheese for a vegan meal. This way, you can make chicken burrito bowls that fit your taste and needs! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your chicken breasts. Dice them into small pieces. In a bowl, add the diced chicken, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step adds great flavor to the chicken. Next, cook the brown rice. Follow the package instructions for perfect results. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork. Set it aside for later. You can also use quinoa for a lighter option. Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to the pan. Once hot, add your marinated chicken. Cook it for 7-10 minutes until it’s no longer pink. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. In serving bowls, start by layering the cooked rice. This acts as your base. Next, add the sautéed chicken on top. Then, layer in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, avocado, and shredded lettuce. For the finishing touches, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. Squeeze lime juice over everything for brightness. Finally, add shredded cheese. If you like, serve with salsa and sour cream for extra flavor. Mix all the ingredients together in the bowl before eating. This blend of flavors makes each bite delicious. Enjoy your zesty chicken burrito bowl! To save time, you can prep your Chicken Burrito Bowls in advance. Start by marinating the chicken. You can do this the night before or the morning of your meal. After marinating, cook the chicken and rice. Let them cool down before storing. Keep the chicken and rice in separate containers in the fridge. You can also pre-chop your veggies, like tomatoes and avocados. This way, you can quickly assemble your bowls when it’s time to eat. If you like heat, add more chili powder or some diced jalapeños. You can also use hot salsa when serving. For milder flavors, cut down on the chili powder. If you want a different taste, try smoked paprika or chipotle powder. Always taste the chicken after cooking. Adjust the spices to find your perfect blend. When sautéing chicken, heat your skillet first. Add olive oil and wait until it shimmers. This helps the chicken sear well, keeping it juicy. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if needed. Stir the chicken only occasionally. This allows it to brown nicely. Cook until no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be sure. The chicken should reach 165°F. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for more intense flavor. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh tomatoes and corn to enhance the taste and texture of your burrito bowls. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or your favorite hot sauce to suit your taste. Make it a Meal Prep: Prepare and store each component separately in the fridge for quick assembly during the week. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian burrito bowl easily. Swap the chicken for grilled veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms work well. Use the same spices to keep the flavor strong. You can add extra beans for protein, too. Black beans or pinto beans are great choices. This way, you enjoy all the yummy flavors without meat. Rice is a classic base for burrito bowls, but other grains shine too. Quinoa is a lighter option that adds protein. Cauliflower rice is another great choice for a low-carb meal. You can also try farro or barley for a nutty flavor. Each grain gives the bowl a unique taste and texture. Sauces can change the whole vibe of your burrito bowl. If you like heat, try a spicy salsa. A creamy avocado dressing can add richness. You could also drizzle some chipotle sauce for a smoky kick. Don't forget about classic ranch or a zesty lime vinaigrette. Experimenting with different sauces makes each meal exciting! Storing your chicken burrito bowls is easy! Start by letting them cool. Once cool, place them in airtight containers. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to separate the toppings, like avocado and lettuce. This prevents sogginess. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, place the bowl in for about 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to heat evenly. If you prefer the stovetop, add a bit of oil to a pan. Heat on medium, stirring often, until warm. This method makes everything nice and tasty! Freezing is a great way to save your chicken burrito bowls for later. Package the bowls in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze them for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy tasty meals with less effort! You can use quinoa instead of rice. Quinoa is lighter and adds protein. Cauliflower rice is also a great choice for fewer carbs. You can even use lettuce leaves for a fresh twist. Each option keeps the bowl tasty and satisfying. You can store Chicken Burrito Bowls for up to four days in the fridge. Make sure to keep them in a sealed container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Just be mindful of the toppings, as some may not hold up well. Yes, you can prepare Chicken Burrito Bowls ahead of time. Cook the chicken and rice in advance. Store them separately from fresh toppings. This way, you can quickly assemble your bowl when you’re ready to eat. Toppings can really elevate your Chicken Burrito Bowls. Here are some great options: - Sliced jalapeños - Sour cream - Guacamole - Pico de gallo - Chopped green onions - Hot sauce Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combination! In this post, we covered how to create tasty Chicken Burrito Bowls. I shared ingredient lists, cooking steps, and tips for custom spice levels. We explored meal prep and storage advice for leftovers, so you can enjoy this dish multiple times. These bowls are flexible and fun. You can change ingredients and make them fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking, and don't hesitate to experiment!

Zesty Chicken Burrito Bowls

A flavorful and healthy bowl featuring marinated chicken, rice, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 piece avocado, diced
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 piece lime, juiced
  • optional salsa and sour cream for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  • Cook brown rice according to package instructions. Once done, fluff with a fork and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
  • In serving bowls, layer the cooked rice as the base. Top with sautéed chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, avocado, and shredded lettuce.
  • Sprinkle chopped cilantro, drizzle lime juice over the top, and add shredded cheese. Serve with salsa and sour cream if desired.
  • Mix all ingredients together in the bowl and enjoy your delicious zesty burrito bowl!

Notes

Quinoa can be used as a lighter alternative to brown rice.
Keyword burrito bowl, chicken, healthy, Mexican