Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls

These chicken and rice burrito bowls are a hearty, satisfying, and flavor-packed meal I love throwing together any night of the week. With juicy seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and all the classic burrito toppings, every bite is a customizable mix of freshness and comfort. Whether I’m feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this bowl never lets me down.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy it is to make this meal with just a few wholesome ingredients. The chicken cooks up quickly with bold spices, the rice adds warmth and comfort, and I can build the bowls however I want with fresh toppings like avocado, salsa, cheese, and beans. It’s a great way to use up leftovers, and it’s naturally gluten-free, protein-rich, and totally satisfying.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Olive oil

• Chili powder

• Cumin

• Paprika

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Salt and pepper

• Lime juice (optional, for added brightness)

For the bowls:

• Cooked white or brown rice

• Black beans or pinto beans (rinsed and drained)

• Corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)

• Cherry tomatoes or salsa

• Shredded lettuce

• Diced avocado or guacamole

• Shredded cheese

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (for garnish)

Directions

1. I start by seasoning the chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side until it’s golden and cooked through. Then I let it rest before slicing it.

3. While the chicken cooks, I prepare the other ingredients—cook the rice, rinse the beans, slice the toppings, and get everything ready for assembly.

4. I assemble the bowls by layering rice at the bottom, followed by the sliced chicken, beans, corn, and any toppings I’m in the mood for.

5. I finish it off with a spoonful of salsa or sour cream and a squeeze of lime juice for freshness.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings. It takes roughly 30 minutes total—around 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook—making it a great option for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, steak, or ground turkey for something different. For a low-carb version, I use cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce as the base. When I want more heat, I add jalapeños or chipotle sauce. I also love making a vegetarian version with extra beans, roasted veggies, and avocado.

Storage/Reheating

I store each component separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. When I’m ready to eat, I reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or skillet, then add the cold toppings fresh. This makes it ideal for meal prep, since I can build a fresh bowl in minutes whenever I need one.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes, I do that when I need something fast. I just shred it and toss it with the spices or a little salsa before adding it to the bowls.

What kind of rice works best?

I like using white rice for a classic burrito flavor, but brown rice, cilantro lime rice, or even quinoa all work really well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often cook everything ahead and store the components separately. That way I can assemble fresh bowls all week long.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s mild as written, but I can easily adjust the spice by adding cayenne or hot sauce if I want more heat.

Are these bowls freezer-friendly?

The chicken and rice can be frozen, but I keep the toppings fresh. I freeze the base in meal prep containers and just add fresh toppings when I’m ready to eat.

Conclusion

These chicken and rice burrito bowls are one of my favorite meals to make when I want something easy, flavorful, and filling. With endless topping options and bold, savory chicken, they’re perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. I love how each bowl can be built exactly how I like it—fresh, fast, and full of flavor.

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