Chicken Burrito Bowls are full of wonderful Mexican-inspired flavors and bright colors and are so delicious you won't even notice that they're good for you! It's a perfect weekly meal prep idea for busy people on the go.
These burrito bowls are one of the best (and tastiest) recipes out there and you'll quickly add them to your weekly rotation. And, as always, don't forget the dressing!
Let's get started!
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And, if you're looking for other recipes that are fantastic for meal prep, look no further!
Try my Taco Bowls, Sushi Bowls, or even a Thai Beef Salad that's fantastic for an easy lunch!
pull up a chair and let's chat!
Chicken burrito bowls are one of my favorites. Their sheer simplicity just make me happy. This is a phenomenal and delicious meal prep recipe that you can prepare at the beginning of the week and have for quick meals for the days to come. These burrito bowls are perfect for busy lifestyles and hungry bellies!
Another reason to keep this recipe in your back pocket is the customization situation. You can make these bowls as I have laid out - as a bowl with all the toppings. However, throw these ingredients into a tortilla and you have an awesome meal to go! Looking for something a little more low-carb? Sub out the rice for fine sliced romaine and make a chicken burrito salad bowl or use pre-made cauliflower rice! The options really are endless!
the dressing: a love story
You guys know I live for a dressing or sauce. On everything. This Avocado Lime Dressing is beyond amazing. It's creamy and tangy and slightly spicy. It's the perfect glue this burrito bowl needs to tie everything together.
And, if you don't like cilantro, don't use it here. Chives or green onion tops would be a fantastic substitution.
Use this as a dressing, a dip, or even a sauce for you next batch of enchiladas. However, you use it, just don't skimp! It's amazing. As a self-proclaimed sauce expert, I would know.
My Pico De Gallo and Salsa Verde would both be amazing additions to the sauce situation here.
what goes in it
Chicken Thighs, avocado oil, granulated garlic, granulated onion, dried oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, onions and sweet bell peppers make up the protein and cooked veg part of this recipe. You can also toss the chicken, onion, and bell peppers in your favorite taco seasoning.
Long Grain White Rice is my go-to for rice bowl recipes. You can buy it premade in a bag, too!
Black Beans and Avocado - Added for protein and healthy fats. And, because they're delicious!
Green Onion, Sour Cream, Cilantro, and Lime - For finishing. You can add as much or as little as you like. I live for a good garnish situation, so go wild!
prep and assembly
I've already told you how easy this chicken burrito bowls recipe is, but let's get down to some more specifics. This chicken burrito process starts with with a spice mix, some lime juice, and avocado oil. The chicken, marinade, onion, and peppers are then tossed together and simply roasted on a sheet pan in the oven. Did I mention this recipe is basically a one-pot wonder?!
While the chicken and veggies roast in the oven, prepare the rice. Just remember to rinse it well before you cook it! The perfect rice is made from bringing the rinsed rice to a boil, reducing the heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Just don't peak! At the end of 20 minutes, you'll be left with perfectly fluffy rice! I add lime zest and juice and a little cilantro for extra flavor.
Once the chicken is cooked through, it's time to build our chicken burrito bowls! This is the fun part. Layer to your heart's content with exactly what you love and how you want to arrange it. See below in the frequently asked questions for garnish and topping ideas!
frequently asked questions
Is this burrito bowls recipe gluten-free?
This chicken burrito bowls is completely gluten-free. No need for any substitutions. Just build your bowl and enjoy!!!
Are there protein substitutions for this chicken burrito bowls recipe?
If you're not a chicken thigh fan, no worries. I got you. Chicken breasts would be a great substitution for the burrito bowls. Steak or ground beef would be amazing here. And, if you want to keep it meatless, just marinate your favorite veggies and throw them on the grill for a fantastic vegetarian option! The sky is the limit.
Can I make burrito bowls lower carb?
Absolutely! If you need something lower-carb, swap out the rice for thinly sliced romaine lettuce and make a salad bowl!
Likewise, you can swap out the rice for cauliflower rice and the end result will be a delicious, low-carb burrito bowl!
What kind of garnishes and toppings would be good on chicken burrito bowls?
Oh how I love a good garnish situation. Toppings just make me happy. So, that said, after you build your bowl, bring on the sprinklings.
Think:
Extra Cilantro
Cotija Cheese
Pico De Gallo
Avocado Slices
Thinly Sliced Radish
Lime Wedges
Red Chili Flakes
Fresh Salsa
Dollop of Sour Cream or Mexican Crema
Jalapeño Slices
Pickled Onions
Red Onions
I could go on, and on, and onnnnnnn.
I don't like cilantro. What do I use?
I have to be honest. I love cilantro so much I could eat a cilantro salad! However, if you don't like it, simply leave it out! This chicken burrito bowls recipe will still be amazing.
You could also substitute cilantro with your favorite soft herb such as chives or parsley. The green parts of a green onion would also be fantastic. Make these chicken burrito bowls yours and just the way you want!
tips, tricks, and substitutions
- These chicken burrito bowls will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply warm in the microwave in small increments covered with a damp paper towel.
- You can use any protein you like here. Everything from ground beef to leftover shrimp would be fantastic. Make this recipe your own!
Recipe
Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken and Veggies
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 med onion, sliced
- 1 sweet bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 tablespoon chili powder
- 3 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 1-2 limes I used two as my limes were small
Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- juice and zest of 1 lime optional
- 2 tablespoon cilantro, finely diced optional
Avocado Lime Dressing
- 1 avocado
- ½ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 2 green onions, rough chopped
- 1 jalapeño, rough chopped optional
- 1 handful cilantro, rough chopped optional
- juice and zest of 1 lime
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and set aside
- sliced jalapeño, chopped tomatoes, Cotija cheese, avocado slices, lime wedges, etc
Instructions
Chicken and Veggies
- Toss the chicken, onions, and pepper with the salt and spices, avocado oil, and lime juice on a sheet pan.
- Roast for 30 minutes in a preheated 400° oven or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let chicken cool slightly. About 5 minutes. Slice chicken and toss back onto the sheet pan. Mix into the roasted onions and peppers. Set aside.
Cilantro Lime Rice
- While the chicken and veggies roast, rinse the rice until the water becomes clear.
- Bring the rice and 2 cups of fresh water to a boil. Add salt. Reduce heat, cover with a lid, and continue to cook for 20 minutes. Do not peak.
- After 20 minutes, fluff rice with cilantro and the juice and zest of 1 lime. Set aside.
Avocado Lime Dressing
- Place all the ingredients for the dressing in a food processor and pulse until you reach your desired consistency.
Build Your Bowl
- Start with a base of rice, followed by a layer of chicken and veggies. Add black beans.
- At this point go wild with the toppings. Add a healthy dollop of the dressing and enjoy!
Nutrition
If you guys make this Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowls and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or review. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
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Rufus for Real is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Sara Garcia says
We make a variation of this weekly now. Sometimes I use ground beef, but they are great for work and school lunches. We love the dressing!