Name: Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice); 2 cups water or chicken broth; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional); 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/4 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1/2 avocado, sliced; Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional); Salsa or hot sauce (optional); Fresh cilantro, chopped

Jump to Recipe

Grilled chicken burrito bowls are the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic burrito without the wrap. This customizable, healthy meal features marinated grilled chicken paired with fluffy rice, hearty beans, and fresh toppings. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, this recipe is easy to make and packed with delicious flavors. The grilled chicken, with its smoky, zesty seasoning, pairs beautifully with the cumin-spiced rice and seasoned beans. Top it off with fresh avocado, salsa, and sour cream for a complete and balanced meal that everyone will love.

These burrito bowls are incredibly versatile and can be customized based on your preferences. Add your favorite toppings like corn, tomatoes, or a generous scoop of guacamole. This dish also lends itself well to batch cooking, making it ideal for meal prepping. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, offering a satisfying balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The best part? You can easily adapt the ingredients and spice levels to suit your tastes, creating a burrito bowl that’s uniquely yours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Full of Flavor

The grilled chicken is marinated in lime juice and spices, resulting in a deliciously tangy and savory flavor. The cumin and chili powder in the rice and beans bring an extra layer of warmth and depth to the dish.

2. Easy to Customize

This recipe is highly adaptable. You can switch up the beans, toppings, or even the type of rice to make it your own. Add more heat with hot sauce, or keep it mild with some cooling sour cream.

3. Balanced and Nutritious

Packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the beans, and healthy fats from avocado, this burrito bowl is a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

4. Great for Meal Prep

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch of rice, beans, and grilled chicken and store them for several days. Just assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.

5. Quick and Easy

With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe is great for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch. The chicken grills in just a few minutes, and the rice and beans cook easily on the stove.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Lime juice
Chili powder
Cumin
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper

For the Rice:

Long-grain white rice or brown rice
Water or chicken broth
Cumin
Garlic powder
Salt
Fresh cilantro (optional)

For the Beans:

Black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Cumin
Chili powder
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

Toppings (optional):

Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Diced tomatoes
Diced red onion
Avocado slices
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Salsa or hot sauce
Fresh cilantro

Variations

Spicy Chicken: For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the chicken marinade.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and load up on extra beans, veggies, and toppings for a vegetarian-friendly bowl.
Rice Options: Use brown rice for added fiber or quinoa for a gluten-free alternative.
Additional Vegetables: Add grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or sautéed spinach for more vegetables in your burrito bowl.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the bowl, making sure they are evenly coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes or up to 1 hour for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Stir to combine, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 15 minutes (or according to package instructions) until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in some fresh cilantro, if desired.

Step 3: Cook the Beans

While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the drained black beans (or pinto beans), cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and well-seasoned.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Step 5: Assemble the Burrito Bowls

In bowls, layer the cooked rice, beans, and grilled chicken. Add your favorite toppings like corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, avocado, sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Rest the Chicken: After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to ensure it stays juicy.
Use Broth for Extra Flavor: Cooking the rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water adds more flavor to the dish.
Grilled Corn: If you want to add a smoky flavor, grill the corn before adding it to the bowls.
Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or cumin based on your preferred spice level.

How to Serve

Serve these grilled chicken burrito bowls as a complete meal on their own, or pair them with a side of tortilla chips or a fresh green salad. For added crunch, you can also serve with crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover rice, beans, and chicken in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and assemble the bowls with fresh toppings.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked rice and beans separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. The chicken can also be frozen in an airtight container, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

Reheat the rice and beans in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep them moist. Warm the chicken in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. They are more flavorful and tend to stay juicier than chicken breasts.

2. Can I use frozen chicken?

Frozen chicken can be used, but make sure it is properly thawed before marinating and grilling.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the rice, beans, and grilled chicken in advance, then assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.

4. What can I substitute for rice?

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, quinoa or cauliflower rice can be used as a substitute for the regular rice.

5. How do I make the chicken spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or jalapeños to the marinade for an extra kick of heat.

6. How can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Consider adding grilled bell peppers, sautéed zucchini, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a boost of veggies.

7. Can I use other beans besides black or pinto?

Yes, kidney beans, chickpeas, or even refried beans could work well in this recipe.

8. Can I use brown rice?

Yes, brown rice is a great alternative to white rice and adds more fiber to the dish.

9. Can I add cheese to the burrito bowls?

Absolutely! Shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, would make a great addition to the bowls.

10. Can I serve this recipe with a side of chips?

Yes, serving with tortilla chips or crispy fried tortilla strips adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

Grilled chicken burrito bowls with rice and beans are a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings together tender grilled chicken, seasoned rice, and hearty beans, topped with a variety of delicious fixings. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is simple to make, customizable, and a great option for meal prep. Whether you’re enjoying it for a weeknight dinner or packing it for lunch, these burrito bowls are sure to please. Try this recipe today and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal that everyone will love.