If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant dish that packs a punch of flavor and is super satisfying, this Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, marinated chicken with wholesome brown rice, creamy avocado, and a medley of colorful veggies to create a bowl that feels both indulgent and nourishing. The blend of smoky spices, zesty lime, and a hint of heat from jalapeños makes every bite an exciting experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe will easily become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, fresh, and essential, each adding a distinct layer of flavor, texture, or color to the dish. Together, they create a harmonious balance that makes this Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe truly shine.
- Olive oil: Helps marinate the chicken and adds a subtle fruity richness when cooking.
- Fresh lime juice: Adds a bright, tangy kick that lifts the entire bowl.
- Paprika: Provides a warm, smoky flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Ground cumin: Brings an earthy depth that’s classic in Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Chili powder: Adds mild heat and complexity without overpowering the flavors.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a savory note that enhances the chicken’s taste.
- Onion powder: Balances the garlic with a gentle sweetness.
- Dried oregano: Offers a herbal, slightly minty aroma perfect for the marinade.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein base of the bowl.
- Cooked brown rice: Provides wholesome substance and a slightly nutty flavor.
- Avocado: Creamy texture and healthy fats that mellow out the spices.
- Mixed greens: Freshness and a pleasant crunch to contrast the warm elements.
- Black beans: Protein-rich and earthy, adding heartiness to the bowl.
- Canned corn: Sweet bursts of flavor, either drained or lightly grilled for extra smokiness.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and vibrant, they brighten each bite.
- Greek yogurt: A tangy topping that adds creaminess and cools any heat.
- Red onion: Sharp and crisp, giving a bit of bite.
- Jalapeño pepper: Adds a fresh spicy note—adjust the amount for your preferred heat level.
- Chopped cilantro: Herbaceous and fresh, perfect for garnishing and mixing into the bowl.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining olive oil, fresh lime juice, and all the spices — paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper — in a bowl to create a vibrant marinade. Coat your chicken breasts thoroughly in this mixture and let them soak up these bold flavors for at least 30 minutes; if you have the time, marinate for up to 2 hours for maximum taste.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Grill or pan-sear your marinated chicken breasts on medium heat, cooking each side for about 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully caramelized. Let the chicken rest before slicing thinly to retain all those juicy flavors and prevent drying out.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
In your serving bowls, start with a foundation of warm cooked brown rice and fresh mixed greens. This combination provides a nice balance of wholesome carbs and garden-fresh crispness to anchor the bowl.
Step 4: Layer in the Toppings
Add sliced chicken on top, followed by black beans, corn, quartered cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, diced red onion, and sliced jalapeño pepper. This layer of diverse textures and colors makes the bowl as beautiful as it is delicious.
Step 5: Final Touches
Drizzle everything with an extra splash of lime juice, spoon dollops of creamy Greek yogurt over each serving, then season generously with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkling of chopped cilantro. This finishing touch brings together all the components in perfect harmony.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro adds a bright herbal note, while a squeeze of lime juice just before serving will amplify all the vibrant flavors. You might also consider a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese or a few slices of fresh radish to add crunch and additional zest.
Side Dishes
Because this bowl is so well-rounded, it can stand alone as a full meal, but pairing it with some warm corn tortillas or a simple tortilla chip platter for scooping makes it even more festive and fun. A light, refreshing side salad with cucumber and lime vinaigrette also complements the dish nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the ingredients separately on a big platter and let everyone build their own Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe to their liking. This interactive approach is great for gatherings and ensures everyone gets exactly what they want. For a single-serve twist, use mason jars to layer the rice, chicken, and toppings for an easy grab-and-go lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store each component separately for the best texture—keep the chicken, rice, and toppings like avocado and Greek yogurt in individual airtight containers in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Freezing
The cooked, marinated chicken and rice freeze well, so you can prepare extra portions in advance. Freeze them in portioned containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing the avocado and fresh toppings as they do not hold up well after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm, then add fresh toppings like avocado, jalapeño, and yogurt just before serving to keep that bright, fresh texture and flavor intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe because they stay juicy and tender when cooked, imparting even more flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly as they might take a bit longer.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes and peppers. Simply adjust the marinade and cooking method to suit your protein choice.
What level of spiciness does this recipe have?
The heat is moderate and can be adjusted to your preference by altering the amount of chili powder and jalapeño used. Remove the seeds from the jalapeño if you want it milder, or add extra for a spicy kick.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Definitely. White rice can be used if you prefer a softer texture or quicker cooking time. Just keep in mind that brown rice adds a nuttier complexity and more fiber, which complements this Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe beautifully.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
This Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your spices and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always double-check processed items like canned beans and corn to be safe.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels wholesome, flavorful, and satisfying all at once. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. Once you make it, I’m confident this bowl will become a welcome regular in your meal rotation—full of bright colors, textures, and irresistible flavors that always hit the spot. Go ahead and give this recipe a try; I promise, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This vibrant Chicken Burrito Bowl is a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying meal featuring marinated grilled chicken served over a bed of brown rice and mixed greens, topped with black beans, corn, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it combines smoky spices, fresh lime juice, and a touch of heat for a delicious Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of salt and pepper, or to taste
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Bowl Components
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 2 cups mixed greens
- ½ cup black beans
- ½ cup canned corn, drained or grilled
- â…“ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 small avocado, sliced
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
- Small handful of chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lime juice, paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly to create the marinade, then add the chicken breasts and coat them evenly. Cover and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then slice thinly for serving.
- Assemble the Base: Divide the cooked brown rice and mixed greens evenly into two serving bowls, creating a nutritious and hearty foundation for the burrito bowl.
- Add Toppings: Arrange the sliced grilled chicken over the rice and greens. Top with black beans, drained or grilled corn, quartered cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, diced red onion, and sliced jalapeño for color and flavor diversity.
- Dress and Finish: Drizzle each bowl with fresh lime juice and add a generous dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. Season with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top. Garnish with additional cilantro for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness significantly.
- If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño or omit it entirely.
- Brown rice can be substituted with quinoa or white rice based on preference.
- For a dairy-free option, replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor, but canned corn works well if grilling is not possible.
