Why Chicken Burrito Bowls Are a Favorite
Burrito bowls are an excellent example of how delicious and nutritious they can be. They’re inspired by the classic Mexican burrito bowl but do not include the tortilla, making them a lighter and equally delicious alternative. By serving the entire meal in a bowl, you can enjoy the same delicious taste but without the calories.
The dish is now incredibly loved across this part of the U.S., mainly because of its versatility and ease of use. From busy meal-preppers to parents, everyone enjoys burrito bowls due to their adaptable design. It is possible to layer your favorite ingredients, such as rice beans, rice, and cooked chicken. You can finish it off with a spicy salsa or creamy Guacamole. It’s no wonder restaurants like Chipotle have created a burrito bowl that has become the most popular choice!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for a Chicken Burrito Bowl
You’ll require a mix of fresh and classic ingredients for a delicious and nutritious chicken burrito. What you’ll need:
- 2 cups rice cooked: Make use of white rice as a base for traditional dishes or go with brown rice to add nutrients and a rich, nutty taste.
- 1 lb of grilled chicken breasts: Marinate in a mixture of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and lime juice to create bold, fresh flavors.
- 1 cup of black beans: Beans are a staple ingredient in burritos and bowls of food, providing protein and a rich texture.
- 1 cup of corn kernels: To add some sweetness, use frozen or canned corn to add diced tomatoes. Juicy and bright tomatoes are a refreshing addition to the dish.
- 1/2 cup shredded salad: Adds crunch and freshness to the flavorful ingredients.
- 1 Avocado: Mash or slice into avocados to make a smooth ingredient.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: A tangy and refreshing topping perfect with spicy chicken.
- 1/4 cup of shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a Mexican cheese blend is excellent.
- 1/4 cup pico de gallo or salsa adds a tangy spice flavor.
- One lime: The fresh lime flavor connects all the flavors.
- Additional toppings: Jalapenos, cilantro hot sauce, and peppers roasting for an extra flavor.
This blend of ingredients guarantees your burrito bowl is filled with nutrition, flavor, and vivid colors. You can swap or add additional ingredients according to your personal preferences.
Step-by-Step Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Making a chicken burrito dish is as easy as layering your favorite ingredients. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:
- Marinate and grill the chicken: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with this marinade and allow them to rest for at least 15 minutes. The chicken is then cooked on the barbecue until cooked and then sliced into pieces.
- Prepare the rice: Cook white or brown rice according to the instructions. To add flavor, prepare your rice with chicken broth, adding the juice of a lime and a pinch of salt.
- Warm the beans along with the Corn: To add more flavor, warm the black beans and corn in a small pot with a little salt and pepper.
- Layer the base: In a large bowl, begin with an oat layer and black beans, then add corn.
- Add the protein: Slice the grilled chicken on top of the base and distribute it equally over the bowl.
- Serve with fresh ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, shredded avocado slices, or Guacamole.
- Finish with toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheese, add a dollop of sour cream, and serve salsa and pico de gallo over the top.
- Serving and Garnish: Squeeze fresh lime juice into the serving bowl. Garnish with cilantro, and enjoy immediately.
Chicken burritos are great for preparing meals or serving freshly prepared in the kitchen. You can customize with typical toppings for a burrito bowl, and then enjoy!
Meal Prep Tips for Burrito Bowls
Burrito bowls make an excellent choice for meal prep. They keep fresh for a few days and are simple to heat. Utilize these suggestions to ensure a quick and delicious food preparation:
- Preparing Ingredients in Advance: Cook your rice chicken, beans, and rice in advance and then keep them in separate airtight containers in your refrigerator.
- To keep toppings fresh, Chop fresh vegetables such as lettuce and tomatoes before serving to preserve their crunch and taste.
- Control of Portion: Split the ingredients into containers to make easy lunches and dinners.
- Reheating tips: Reheat the base (rice beans, rice, and chicken) separately in the microwave or stovetop. Then, add fresh toppings to ensure the bowl is fresh and delicious.
- Freeze to use later: You can freeze cooked rice and chicken to keep them longer. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before creating for your bowl of burritos.
These tips will allow you to eat healthy burrito bowl even on the busiest days.
Pairing Ideas for Your Chicken Burrito Bowl
Although a bowl of chicken burritos is a delicious dish by itself and is delicious on its own, pairing it with complimentary beverages or side dishes can improve your dining experience. Here are a few ideas to complement your dinner:
- Guacamole and Chips: For an authentic Mexican flavor, make your own burrito bowl with crisp tortilla chips and creamy Guacamole.
- Mexican Street Corn: Also called “Elote,” grilled corn served with lime, cheese, and chili powder is an excellent side dish.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A selection of in-season fresh fruits gives the burritos a sweet and refreshing flavor.
- Lime Margaritas: To add a festive flair, serve your meals with a spicy margarita, or choose non-alcoholic lime spritzers.
- Refried Beans: The warm, creamy accompaniment balances the dish’s rich flavors.
Combining these two ingredients turns the chicken burrito bowl you’ve been eating into an unforgettable and delicious meal ideal for casual meals with your loved ones or for gatherings.
Classic Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Knife and cutting board
- 1 Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Season chicken with spices. Sauté in olive oil over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side. Rest, then dice or shred.
- Make the rice: Cook rice in broth or water. Stir in lime juice and cilantro.
- Assemble the bowl: Add rice, chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and cheese to a bowl.
- Top and serve: Add sour cream, salsa, and a squeeze of lime. Mix and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Healthy swaps: Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Meal prep friendly: Store all components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat and assemble before serving.
FAQs About Chicken Burrito Bowls
How nutritious is a bowl of chicken burritos?
A chicken burrito bowl could be a healthy and nutritious meal from fresh ingredients. It’s loaded with lean meat from the chicken, fiber from vegetables and beans, and the healthy fats of avocado. To make it lighter, you can choose white rice instead of cauliflower. Also, avoid cheese and sour cream.
How does a chicken-based burrito bowl differ from the Chipotle Burrito Bowl?
Homemade chicken burrito bowls provide greater control over the ingredients used and portions, which makes them healthier alternatives. Suppose you’re interested in Chipotle’s burrito bowl’s nutritional values. In that case, their version is usually higher in calories and sodium due to the methods used in restaurants for preparation.
Do I have the ability to create a burrito dish from beef?
Yes! It’s true! A Beef burrito bowl recipe is an excellent alternative. Use seasoned ground beef or thinly cut steak to create a rich and delicious bowl.
Do I have the ability to prepare a low-carb burrito chicken bowl?
Yes! If you’d like to create a low-carb version, you can substitute it with rice made of the cruciferous vegetables or chopped lettuce for the base. You can also eliminate beans and instead focus on toppings that are protein-rich, such as cheese, grilled chicken and avocado. This way, you can enjoy the delicious taste of a burrito without the extra calories.
Conclusion
This chicken-based burrito is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect anytime. It’s packed with fresh and healthy ingredients, lively garnishes, and an excellent variety of flavors, so it’s not surprising that this dish is so well-loved. When you’re meal-prepping or entertaining a large group, this recipe is guaranteed to be a huge hit.
Want to know more burrito-bowl recipes? Check out our Burrito Bowl Recipes for more delicious ideas!