Chicken Burrito Bowls | Easy Meal Prep Dinner I first started making these Chicken Burrito Bowls | Easy Meal Prep Dinner when I was looking for a quick and easy dinner that I could also meal prep for lunches throughout the week. Life was busy, and I needed something that was both healthy and satisfying…
Chicken Burrito Bowls | Easy Meal Prep Dinner
I first started making these Chicken Burrito Bowls | Easy Meal Prep Dinner when I was looking for a quick and easy dinner that I could also meal prep for lunches throughout the week. Life was busy, and I needed something that was both healthy and satisfying without requiring a ton of effort after a long day. I’ve tested so many variations, and this version is the clear winner!
These bowls have become a family favorite and a staple in our weekly rotation. They’re incredibly versatile – you can easily customize them with your favorite toppings and swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. It’s the perfect recipe to use up leftover cooked chicken, or to create an entire healthy meal, and it’s a guaranteed winner every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ❤️ Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- ❤️ Meal Prep Friendly: Easily portioned and stored for delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week. The ingredients hold up perfectly, so you don’t have to worry about soggy bowls!
- ❤️ Customizable: Adapt the ingredients to your liking – add different veggies, beans, or proteins. The possibilities are truly endless! Use what you have on hand and tailor the bowls to your specific preferences.
- ❤️ Healthy and Delicious: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Feel good about what you’re eating!
- ❤️ Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Skip takeout and save money with this delicious homemade option.
- ❤️ Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love these bowls! Let everyone customize their own for a fun and interactive meal.
- ❤️ Versatile: Great for lunch, dinner, or even a potluck. A crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress.
- ❤️ Flavorful: The combination of seasoned chicken, rice, beans, corn, salsa, and avocado creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. The lime adds a burst of freshness, tying all the ingredients together.
- ❤️ Perfect for using leftovers: Transform leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken into a complete and satisfying meal. Reduce food waste and enjoy a delicious, healthy bowl.
- ❤️ Great for portion control: Easily manage your calorie intake by adjusting the portion sizes of each ingredient. A customizable and healthy option for those watching their weight.
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples for this recipe! Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements.
Expert Tips
- 💡 Cook the rice perfectly: Use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio for fluffy, separate grains. Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. Consider using a rice cooker for foolproof results.
- 💡 Season the chicken well: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice blends. Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder are all great options. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
- 💡 Use fresh ingredients: Freshly chopped cilantro, squeezed lime juice, and ripe avocado will elevate the flavors of your bowl. These fresh elements bring brightness and balance to the dish.
- 💡 Warm the tortillas: Lightly toast or warm the tortillas before serving. This will make them more pliable and flavorful. You can even grill them for a smoky char.
- 💡 Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding or chopping.
- 💡 Prep ahead: Chop the vegetables, cook the rice, and season the chicken ahead of time to make assembly even faster. Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- 💡 Layer your bowl strategically: Start with a base of rice, then add the beans, corn, chicken, salsa, avocado, and any other desired toppings. This will ensure that each bite is packed with flavor.
- 💡 Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken for a little extra heat. Consider using jalapenos or serrano peppers for a more intense flavor.
- 💡 Use high-quality salsa: Choose a salsa that you love! The salsa is a key component of the bowl, so make sure it has a good balance of flavors. Freshly made salsa is always the best option.
- 💡 Don’t forget the lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up all the flavors in the bowl. It adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
Variations & Substitutions
Keto: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Add extra avocado and cheese for healthy fats.
Vegan: Substitute the chicken with seasoned tofu or black beans. Use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free, especially the salsa. Most corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free.
Storage & Freezing
Storage: Store leftover Chicken Burrito Bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best to store the avocado separately to prevent browning.
Freezing: Freeze individual portions of the burrito bowls for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that the texture of some ingredients may change slightly after freezing.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook the chicken, rice, and other ingredients in advance and store them separately. Assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Feel free to substitute the chicken with ground beef, turkey, shrimp, or even tofu. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
What other toppings can I add?
The possibilities are endless! Consider adding sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
These Chicken Burrito Bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and customizable meal. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or simply looking for an easy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Pin this for later and share it with your friends!
Chicken Burrito Bowls: Easy Meal Prep Dinner
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Step 1 In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Step 2 Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 3 While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice, black beans, corn, salsa, avocado, and cilantro.
- Step 4 Divide the cooked rice among 6 bowls. Top with the cooked chicken, black beans, corn, and salsa.
- Step 5 Garnish with diced avocado and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
- Step 6 Enjoy immediately or store in airtight containers for meal prep.
