Meet your new obsession: Chicken Burrito Bowls! They’re bursting with juicy, spiced chicken, fluffy cilantro-lime rice, and a rainbow of irresistible toppings. Every bite is a fiesta of bold flavors and satisfying textures—think zesty, fresh, and hearty all at once.
These bowls pack maximum flavor with minimal effort, making them the very best choice for busy weeknights. You get all the classic burrito goodness, minus the mess and with complete customization!
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a casual get-together—everyone builds their own, so it’s guaranteed crowd-pleasing. Inspired by my favorite Tex-Mex spot, these have quickly become a staple in our house.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Dinner is ready in under 45 minutes, start to finish.
- Fully Customizable: Pile on your favorite toppings for a bowl that’s just your style.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein, veggies, and whole grains.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and enjoy flavorful lunches all week.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Everyone can build their own bowl for a fuss-free meal.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Burrito Bowls
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is the star protein, delivering lean, juicy bites that soak up all the Tex-Mex flavors. For best results, slice the chicken thinly so it cooks quickly and evenly. If you prefer, chicken thighs add extra moisture and richness.
Taco Seasoning
This spice blend gives the chicken its signature smoky, zesty flavor. Store-bought or homemade both work! Feeling adventurous? Make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. For a milder bowl, use less seasoning.
Cilantro-Lime Rice
The rice forms the hearty, flavorful base of every bowl. Cooking it with lime juice and fresh cilantro adds brightness and makes each bite sing. You can use white or brown rice—or swap in cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Black Beans
Black beans bring extra protein, fiber, and that classic burrito flavor. Rinse and drain canned beans for convenience, or use homemade if you have time. Pinto beans are a great substitute if desired.
Toppings Galore
Fresh toppings like salsa, shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, and crisp lettuce make every bowl pop! Mix and match based on what you love or have on hand—corn, jalapeños, or even pickled onions are all welcome.
Instructions for Chicken Burrito Bowls
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.
Marinate and Cook the Chicken
Drizzle sliced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss with taco seasoning, making sure every piece is coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and lightly charred at the edges. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Prepare the Cilantro-Lime Rice
While the chicken cooks, rinse your rice until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in lime juice, zest, and chopped cilantro.
Warm the Beans and Corn
In a small saucepan, add black beans and corn with a splash of water. Heat over medium until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Prep the Toppings
While everything is cooking, slice cherry tomatoes, avocado, and shred the lettuce and cheese. Keep toppings ready for easy assembly.
Build Your Burrito Bowls
In large bowls, add a generous scoop of cilantro-lime rice as the base. Layer with cooked chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, lettuce, and cheese. Finish with sour cream and extra cilantro if you like. Dig in and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Make It Vegetarian
Swap the chicken for roasted veggies or seasoned tofu for a colorful, plant-based bowl. Sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini all work beautifully.
Go Low-Carb
Replace the rice with cauliflower rice to cut down on carbs without sacrificing flavor. It’s quick to make and soaks up all the delicious toppings perfectly.
Spice It Up
Add sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, or use chipotle powder in your taco seasoning for an extra kick. You can also try spicy salsa or pepper jack cheese on top.
Dairy-Free Delight
Skip the cheese and sour cream, and try topping your bowl with extra avocado or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt. No one will miss the dairy!
Use Leftovers
This recipe is a great way to use up leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken. Just warm it up with a bit of taco seasoning before adding to your bowl.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken Burrito Bowls with a side of crunchy tortilla chips and fresh guacamole for dipping. For extra zest, offer lime wedges and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Want to round out the meal? Pair with a simple side salad or a cup of Mexican street corn (elote).
Storage and Reheating
Store components (chicken, rice, beans, and toppings) separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave chicken, rice, beans, and corn until hot, then assemble your bowl with fresh toppings. Freezing works best for the chicken and rice—store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Burrito Bowls (FAQ)
Q: Can I make Chicken Burrito Bowls ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prep the chicken, rice, and beans in advance, and store toppings separately. Assemble just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Q: What other protein can I use besides chicken?
A: Try grilled shrimp, steak, ground turkey, or even seasoned tofu for delicious variations on this bowl.
Q: Are Chicken Burrito Bowls gluten-free?
A: Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free taco seasoning and double-check that your toppings are gluten-free.
These Chicken Burrito Bowls are the perfect blend of fresh, easy, and totally crave-worthy. I just know you’ll love building your own bowl and making it your own. If you try the recipe, please leave a comment or rating—I love hearing from you!
Chicken Burrito Bowls
Chicken Burrito Bowls are a flavor-packed, easy weeknight dinner with juicy chicken, zesty rice, and all your favorite toppings. Fast, fresh, and family-friendly!
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Toss the sliced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon olive oil and taco seasoning until well coated.
- 2Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned. Set aside.
- 3Rinse the rice and combine with chicken broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let sit 5 minutes, then fluff and stir in lime juice, zest, and cilantro.
- 4In a small pot, heat black beans and corn with a splash of water over medium heat until warm. Season with salt and pepper.
- 5Prepare toppings: halve tomatoes, slice avocado, shred lettuce and cheese.
- 6Assemble bowls: Start with rice, top with chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and extra cilantro. Serve immediately!
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