The Zesty One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting a mouthwatering one-pan chicken burrito bowl brings excitement to weeknight dinners without complicated kitchen gymnastics.

Busy home cooks appreciate simple meals that pack serious flavor.

Our streamlined approach eliminates multiple dishes and reduces cleanup time dramatically.

Fresh ingredients combine effortlessly in a single skillet, creating a vibrant meal that satisfies hunger and taste buds.

Mexican-inspired spices dance through tender chicken and fluffy rice, building layers of deliciousness.

Quick protein, colorful vegetables, and zesty seasonings merge into a complete meal you can customize to your preferences.

Grab a fork and prepare for a delectable culinary adventure that will become your new favorite dinner solution.

One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Overview

• Simplify Meal Prep: One-pan cooking eliminates multiple dishes, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time for busy home cooks.
• Customize Your Creation: Flexible recipe allows endless topping variations, letting everyone personalize their burrito bowl with preferred ingredients like cheese, avocado, or spicy jalapeños.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Combines lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich beans, and colorful vegetables, delivering a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating goals.
• Quick Family Favorite: Straightforward cooking method makes this dish approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, perfect for weeknight dinners that please both adults and kids.

Ingredients for One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main substance and flavor for the burrito bowl.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, sweetness, and depth to the dish.
• Corn: A sweet and textural vegetable that brings additional color and flavor to the burrito bowl.

• Black Beans: A hearty legume that adds protein, fiber, and a creamy texture to the recipe.
• Rice: A filling grain that serves as the base of the burrito bowl and absorbs the dish's flavors.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder: Spices that create a warm, complex flavor profile for the chicken.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat used for cooking the chicken and sautéing vegetables.
• Water or Chicken Broth: Liquid used to cook the rice and create moisture in the dish.

• Lime Juice: A citrusy element that adds brightness and freshness to the burrito bowl.
• Cilantro: An herb that provides a fresh, aromatic garnish.

• Avocado, Cheese, Sour Cream, Jalapenos: Customizable additions that allow personal flavor preferences.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

Step 1: Prep the Protein and Produce

Grab your chicken and slice it into small, uniform chunks. Sprinkle the pieces with zesty spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Chop the onion and bell pepper into tiny, bite-sized pieces. Drain and rinse the black beans, setting them aside for later.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces turn golden and are completely cooked through.

This should take around 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Base

Once the chicken looks perfect, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet.

Let them dance around and soften for 3-4 minutes. Introduce the rice, black beans, and corn, stirring everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Create Moisture and Simmer

Pour water or chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat.

Cover the skillet and let everything simmer quietly for 15-20 minutes. The goal is tender rice that has soaked up all the delicious liquid.

Step 5: Finish with Flair

Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a bright, zingy flavor.

Sprinkle chopped cilantro and add your favorite extras like creamy avocado, melty cheese, cool sour cream, or spicy jalapeños.

Tips to Perfect One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Create a custom spice mix by adjusting cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder ratios to match your taste preference for a personalized burrito bowl experience.
• Maintain moisture by not overcooking chicken, ensuring it remains tender and juicy during the initial sautéing stage.
• Use chicken broth instead of water to infuse extra depth and richness into the rice, enhancing the overall dish's flavor profile.
• Chop vegetables and measure spices in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce total preparation time.
• Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or ground turkey for a versatile meal that accommodates different dietary needs and preferences.

Variations on Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Vegetarian Black Bean Bowl: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, using same seasonings and cooking method for a meatless version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Edition: Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates, maintaining identical spice profile and cooking technique.
• Spicy Southwest Quinoa Remix: Substitute rice with quinoa, add jalapeños, and increase chili powder for a protein-packed, high-heat alternative that keeps the one-pan convenience.
• Mediterranean Inspired Bowl: Switch black beans for chickpeas, use oregano and paprika instead of cumin, and top with feta cheese for a Mediterranean-style transformation.

Pairings to Enjoy with Chicken Burrito Bowl

Wine and Dine Pairings

Grab a crisp sauvignon blanc with bright citrus notes that cut through the richness of the chicken and complement the lime’s tanginess.

Select a Mexican-style lager like Modelo Especial or Corona, which refreshes the palate and matches the dish’s vibrant southwestern profile.

Pair with a robust salsa verde or pico de gallo to enhance the burrito bowl’s layered spices and add a bright, fresh counterpoint to the hearty ingredients.

Add a dollop of smooth guacamole or Greek yogurt to balance the dish’s warm spices and provide a creamy texture that softens the meal’s bold flavors.

Storage Advice for Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but adjust the cooking liquid and time accordingly. Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time, around 40-45 minutes.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth or water. Always check your ingredient labels to confirm.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more chili powder, include diced jalapenos while cooking, or sprinkle red pepper flakes. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for extra heat.

• Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop vegetables and season chicken in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator and cook when ready. The entire dish can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Mexican-inspired magic with this hassle-free one-pan chicken burrito bowl that brings zesty flavors and quick comfort to weeknight dinners. Packed with tender chicken, seasoned rice, and fresh toppings, you’ll enjoy a complete meal without extra dishes to clean.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Base and Vegetables:

• 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 1.5 cups water or chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Optional Toppings:

• Avocado slices
• Grated cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapenos

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by cutting into uniform cubes and infusing with aromatic spices including cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Finely chop onion and bell pepper into consistent small pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Thoroughly rinse and drain black beans to remove excess liquid.
4. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface at approximately 375°F.
5. Introduce seasoned chicken to the hot pan, stirring intermittently to achieve golden-brown exterior and complete internal cooking, approximately 5-7 minutes.
6. Incorporate diced onion and bell pepper into the skillet with cooked chicken, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent.
7. Blend rice, black beans, and corn into the vegetable-chicken mixture, ensuring thorough integration of ingredients.
8. Pour water or chicken broth into the skillet, bringing the contents to a rapid boil before reducing heat to low.
9. Cover skillet and allow mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes, enabling rice to absorb liquid and reach perfect tenderness.
10. Gently fluff rice with a fork to separate grains and create light texture.
11. Enhance flavor profile by squeezing fresh lime juice across the dish.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and optional toppings like creamy avocado, melted cheese, tangy sour cream, or spicy jalapeños.

Notes

• Opt for long-grain white rice or brown rice for different textures and nutritional profiles.
• Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
• Use pre-cooked rice to reduce overall cooking time and simplify the preparation process.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding additional seasonings like smoked paprika or cayenne for extra kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg