Description
Mexican-inspired chicken burrito bowls deliver culinary excitement with zesty flavors dancing across layers of rice, grilled chicken, and fresh toppings. Delicious combinations of protein, vegetables, and seasoned ingredients create a satisfying meal you can customize for ultimate dining pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
Base and Vegetables:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
- 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
Toppings and Garnishes:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup salsa or pico de gallo
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with a zesty blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and a splash of lime juice, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Preheat a skillet to medium-high temperature and carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces, cooking approximately 5-7 minutes on each side until the meat reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest for several minutes, then slice or chop into bite-sized pieces to distribute evenly throughout the bowl.
- Create a foundation layer in each serving bowl with fluffy rice, spreading it as a base for the remaining ingredients.
- Arrange black beans and sweet corn kernels over the rice, creating a colorful and textured base.
- Strategically place the sliced chicken atop the bean and corn mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
- Garnish the bowl with vibrant cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado chunks, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled cheese, and fresh cilantro leaves.
- Optional: Drizzle with additional lime juice or your preferred sauce for enhanced flavor complexity.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that’s equally protein-packed and flavorful.
- Marinate chicken overnight in the spice mixture to intensify the depth of flavors and ensure maximum seasoning penetration.
- Use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative to traditional rice, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining a satisfying texture.
- Prep ingredients in advance to streamline assembly and make this a quick weeknight meal that can be customized for different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg