Ugh, weeknights, right? Between work, errands, and somehow keeping the house from becoming a total disaster zone, the last thing I want to worry about is what’s for dinner. If you feel me, then you need this Chicken Burrito Bowl in your life. Seriously, this recipe has saved my sanity more times than I can count. It’s my ultimate go to when I need something healthy, packed with flavor, and ridiculously easy to throw together. I’ve been tweaking recipes to be super weeknight-friendly for years, and this Chicken Burrito Bowl always hits the spot!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Burrito Bowl
Honestly, why wouldn’t you love this? It’s a total weeknight savior! Here’s why it’s my favorite easy meal:
- Super Speedy: We’re talking dinner on the table in about 35 minutes, totally doable even on a crazy Tuesday.
- Seriously Easy: Most of the work is just chopping and seasoning. I promise, even beginner cooks will nail this!
- Totally Customizable: Don’t like beans? Swap ’em! Want extra spice? Go for it! It’s your bowl, your rules.
- Bursting with Flavor: All those spices on the chicken, plus your favorite toppings? It’s a flavor party in every bite.
Ingredients for Your Chicken Burrito Bowl
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this magic happen. It’s pretty straightforward, and you probably have half of this stuff lurking in your pantry right now!
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (whatever kind you love – white, brown, cilantro-lime, you name it!)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned works great)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack are my faves)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (totally optional, but I love it!)
- 1/2 avocado, sliced or diced (also optional, but adds the best creaminess!)
Essential Equipment for Making a Chicken Burrito Bowl
You don’t need a fancy kitchen for this one, trust me! Just a few basics will get you there. You’ll want a good skillet for cooking that yummy chicken, a sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife for chopping everything up neatly, and of course, some bowls to actually assemble your masterpiece. That’s pretty much it!
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Perfect Chicken Burrito Bowl
Now for the fun part: actually making the magic happen! It’s so simple, you’ll be whipping up this amazing Chicken Burrito Bowl without even thinking about it. Just follow these easy steps, and dinner is served!
Preparing the Seasoned Chicken
First things first, let’s get that chicken all seasoned up. Grab your bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them in a bowl with the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all around so every piece is coated beautifully. Heat up about a tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. You could even use a marinade if you have a little extra time, but for a quick fix, this seasoning does the trick! Once the skillet is nice and hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and browned all over and completely cooked through. No pink allowed!
Assembling Your Chicken Burrito Bowl
Now for the layering! This is where it all comes together and you get to make it *your* own. Grab four bowls and divide your cooked rice between them. Then, pile on that delicious seasoned chicken you just cooked. Next, add in your rinsed black beans and corn. Spoon in that yummy salsa – as much or as little as you like! Finally, sprinkle on your shredded cheese, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and top it off with fresh cilantro and avocado slices if you’re feeling fancy. Boom! Your perfect Chicken Burrito Bowl is ready to go.
Tips for the Best Chicken Burrito Bowl
Okay, so making a great Chicken Burrito Bowl isn’t rocket science, but a few little tricks really make it sing! First off, using good quality spices for the chicken is a must – fresh spices make a world of difference, trust me. Don’t skimp there! When you’re cooking the chicken, make sure your skillet is nice and hot before you add it; that’s how you get those lovely browned bits and that slightly crispy edge. And for the love of all things delicious, use *fresh* cilantro if you can get your hands on it – the flavor is so much brighter! It really elevates the whole bowl.
Customizing Your Chicken Burrito Bowl
One of the BEST things about this Chicken Burrito Bowl is how darn flexible it is! I mean, it’s already awesome, but you can totally tweak it to be exactly what you’re craving or what you have on hand. Instead of black beans, why not try pinto beans? Or add some seasoned ground turkey or shredded pork if you’re not feeling chicken. Don’t have rice? Quinoa or even some cauliflower rice works beautifully! And for the toppings, oh boy, the sky’s the limit! Think pickled jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, some crunchy tortilla strips, or even some crumbled cotija cheese. It’s all about making it your own perfect bowl, kind of like my potato taco bowls!
Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Burrito Bowl
This Chicken Burrito Bowl is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you’re feeling extra, serve it up with some tortilla chips for scooping up any extra salsa or toppings. A refreshing agua fresca or a cold Mexican beer would be pretty perfect alongside it too. Enjoy!
Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Burrito Bowl
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your delicious Chicken Burrito Bowl, just pop the components into separate airtight containers. This helps keep everything from getting soggy. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I like to warm up the chicken and rice first in the microwave until piping hot, then assemble your bowl again with the cold toppings like avocado and sour cream so they stay fresh and lovely. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Burrito Bowls
Got questions about whipping up this amazing Chicken Burrito Bowl? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the things people often ask.
Can I use different types of rice for my Chicken Burrito Bowl?
Absolutely! While I love a good cilantro-lime rice, brown rice, white rice, or even quinoa work wonderfully. Just make sure it’s cooked and ready to go!
How can I make this Chicken Burrito Bowl spicier?
Easy peasy! Just add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your chicken seasoning, toss in some sliced jalapeños with your toppings, or drizzle your favorite hot sauce over everything. Spice it up!
Is this Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Cook the chicken and rice ahead of time. Keep them separate from your toppings like avocado and sour cream until you’re ready to eat to keep everything fresh.
Nutritional Estimate for Your Chicken Burrito Bowl
Now, I’m not a fancy nutritionist or anything, but I like to give you a general idea of what you’re getting with this delicious Chicken Burrito Bowl. Remember, these are just estimates, and the exact numbers can totally change depending on the brands you use and how generous you are with those toppings! Generally, you’re looking at something around 450-550 calories per bowl, with a solid 30-40 grams of protein thanks to that chicken! You’ll also get a good dose of carbs from the rice and fiber from the beans and veggies. It’s a really satisfying meal that keeps you full!
Share Your Chicken Burrito Bowl Creations!
Okay, you’ve made it! I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how your Chicken Burrito Bowl turned out. Did you go wild with the toppings? Did it save your weeknight? Leave a comment below, give it a rating, or tag me on social media – spill all the delicious details!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with the cooked chicken, black beans, corn, and salsa.
- Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, cilantro, and avocado, if desired.