Burrito Bowl
Juicy, seasoned chicken, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and fresh corn salsa come together in this vibrant and satisfying meal. It's all the best parts of a burrito, no tortilla needed! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Season and Cook the Chicken
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, 1 tsp of salt, and black pepper.
- c.Place the chicken cubes in a medium bowl, drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil, and sprinkle the spice mixture over them. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
- d.Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
- e.Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Cilantro-Lime Rice
- b.Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents gummy rice.
- c.In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 3 cups of water, and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt. Bring to a rolling boil.
- d.Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- e.After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5-10 minutes to steam.
- f.Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Gently stir in 1/4 cup of chopped coriander and 2 tbsp of lime juice.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Make the Corn and Bean Salsa
- b.While the rice is cooking, prepare the salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, drained corn, diced red onion, and minced jalapeño (if using).
- c.Add the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped coriander and 2 tbsp of lime juice. Stir gently to combine.
- d.Taste and season with a pinch of salt if needed.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Burrito Bowls
- b.Divide the warm cilantro-lime rice evenly among four bowls to create a base.
- c.Top the rice with a portion of the cooked chicken and a generous scoop of the corn and bean salsa.
- d.Garnish each bowl with shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
- e.Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade burrito bowl!
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor, toast the rinsed rice in a little oil for 1-2 minutes before adding water.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear rather than steaming the meat.
- 3These bowls are perfect for meal prep. Store components separately in the fridge and assemble just before eating to maintain freshness.
- 4Rinsing the canned beans and corn thoroughly removes excess sodium and the starchy canning liquid.
- 5For a creamier texture, mash half of the avocado with a little lime juice and salt to make a quick guacamole.
- 6Feel free to add other toppings like pico de gallo, pickled red onions, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the chicken with seasoned ground beef, pulled pork (carnitas), grilled steak (carne asada), or shrimp. For a vegetarian option, use extra black beans, spiced tofu, or roasted sweet potatoes.
Grain FreeGrain-Free
Replace the cilantro-lime rice with a base of quinoa for extra protein, or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Omit the chicken and cheese, and use a plant-based protein like seasoned tofu or lentils. Replace the sour cream with a vegan sour cream, cashew cream, or guacamole.
Spicy UpgradeSpicy Upgrade
Add 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper to the chicken spice mix and use the seeds from the jalapeño in the salsa for an extra kick of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of chicken and black beans provides a high-quality protein boost, essential for muscle repair, growth, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
High in Dietary Fiber
With black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables, this bowl is packed with fiber, which aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes gut health.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocado is a fantastic source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this burrito bowl contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the exact portion sizes of toppings like cheese, sour cream, and avocado.