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Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowls - Fresh, Flavorful, and Easy

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper
  • Oil: avocado or olive oil
  • Rice Base: 2 cups cooked brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice
  • Beans: 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup sweet corn (frozen or canned, drained)
  • Veggies: 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 small red onion, 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • Greens: 2 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
  • Avocado: 1 ripe avocado
  • Lime: 2 limes
  • Fresh Herbs: 1 small bunch cilantro
  • Optional Toppings: Greek yogurt or light sour cream, shredded cheddar or cotija, jalapeño, salsa, hot sauce, pickled onions

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice base. Prepare brown or white rice according to package directions. For a lighter option, sauté cauliflower rice in a little oil with salt and pepper for 5–7 minutes until tender.
  2. Mix the spice rub. In a small bowl, combine 1.5 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Season the chicken. Pat chicken dry. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and coat all sides with the spice mix. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep veggies.
  4. Cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high with a splash of oil. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until cooked through and lightly charred. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice or cube. For extra ease, you can also bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes.
  5. Sauté the peppers and onions. In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and red onion with a pinch of salt. Cook 4–6 minutes until tender-crisp with a bit of color.
  6. Warm the beans and corn. In a small saucepan, heat black beans and corn with a squeeze of lime and a dash of cumin. Cook 3–4 minutes, just to warm through. Add a splash of water if needed.
  7. Make the lime-cilantro drizzle. Stir together 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, zest and juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, a pinch of salt, and enough water to thin to a drizzle. Adjust lime and salt to taste.
  8. Prep fresh toppings. Halve cherry tomatoes, chop romaine, slice avocado, and roughly chop cilantro. If using jalapeño, slice thinly.
  9. Assemble the bowls. Add a scoop of rice to each bowl. Top with beans and corn, peppers and onions, sliced chicken, and fresh veggies. Spoon the lime-cilantro drizzle over the top. Finish with extra lime wedges and any optional toppings.
  10. Taste and adjust. Add a pinch of salt, more lime, or a dash of hot sauce to balance the flavors. You want bright, savory, and a little smoky.