Chicken Burrito Bowls are your ticket to a satisfying dinner that’s bursting with bold Mexican-inspired flavors. With tender, spiced chicken, zesty lime rice, and a medley of vibrant toppings, each bowl is a satisfying blend of taste and texture. This customizable dish is sure to hit the spot and bring a little excitement to your dinner table.
These Chipotle copycat chicken burrito bowls are a favorite when I need a protein-packed, healthy lunch. The best part is how easy it is to prep all the ingredients ahead of time, so I can quickly assemble a customized bowl whenever hunger strikes. Whether I'm making a bowl for myself or for the whole family, I love how versatile and simple it is to adjust the toppings to everyone's preferences.
Not only is this meal fresh and flavorful, but it’s also a great choice for meal prep. It’s filling without being heavy, and the combination of seasoned chicken, lime rice, and fresh veggies keeps me energized throughout the day. Plus, it's easy to make it as healthy as I want, ensuring I’m getting all the nutrients I need without compromising on taste.
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Ingredients
- Chicken – Chop chicken breast into even-sized cubes for consistent cooking. You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier option.
- Rice – Use white rice for a classic base, but brown rice or quinoa are great alternatives for extra fiber. Cook in advance to save time. Here is a good way to cook rice.
- Lime – Fresh lime juice gives the best flavor. Roll the lime on the counter before cutting to release more juice.
- Cilantro – Use fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Chop the leaves just before serving to avoid wilting.
- Tomato – Choose firm, ripe tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Onion – Red onion adds a mild, sweet flavor. Finely chop to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Black Beans – Drain and rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium. You can also use homemade or frozen beans for a more fresh option.
- Corn – Use fresh or frozen corn for a sweet crunch. If using canned corn, rinse it well to reduce excess salt.
- Cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish. Opt for a sharp cheddar for more flavor.
- Sour Cream – Adds a creamy, tangy touch. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Your Favorite Toppings – Get creative with your toppings! Consider salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, or extra veggies to suit your preferences.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, cooked rice and stir in the lime juice (reserve the rest of the lime juice for later), ½ teaspoon salt, and chopped cilantro. Set aside.
- Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to a hot skillet and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices. Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes or until browned and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: While the chicken is cooking, dice and prepare all of the toppings.
- Step 4: Add rice to a bowl and top with seasoned chicken. Add the corn, black beans, tomato, and red onion on top of the chicken and rice. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream or whatever other toppings you prefer. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges if desired.
Hint: To make assembling the chicken burrito bowls quicker, cook the rice, chop veggies, and season the chicken ahead of time. You can store them in separate containers in the fridge for easy access when you're ready to assemble.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Shrimp – For a lighter seafood twist, swap the chicken for shrimp. Simply grill or pan-sear shrimp for a quick and flavorful protein. Check out this Pan-Grilled Shrimp Recipe for a perfect alternative.
- Ground Beef –If you prefer ground beef, substitute the chicken with seasoned ground beef for a hearty option. You can follow this Mexican Ground Beef Taco Meat Recipe for a flavorful and easy ground beef preparation.
- Tofu – For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the chicken with firm tofu. Press and season it well before cooking to get a crispy, flavorful texture.
- Veggies – If you're looking to go meatless or simply add more vegetables, grill or sauté a mix of veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a colorful and hearty base. Freshly chopped avocado and guacamole can add a creamy texture and flavor.
- Rice Alternatives – For a low-carb option, swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or lettuce leaves for a grain-free burrito bowl.
More Topping Suggestions
Toppings are where you can get creative and make your Chicken Burrito Bowls truly your own. Consider adding creamy guacamole or fresh avocado slices for richness. A spoonful of salsa or pico de gallo can bring in a burst of freshness, while shredded lettuce adds crunch. If you love spice, try a drizzle of hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños. For extra flavor, you can also sprinkle some chopped green onions, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. The possibilities are endless, so mix and match to suit your taste! Here are a few of my favorite toppings:
- Easy Refrigerator Pickled Jalapenos
- Super Easy Mexican Guacamole
- Easy Chipotle Mayonnaise
- Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Storage
All of the ingredients for these rice bowls can be stored for up to 4 days in the fridge. To maintain freshness, store everything in separate containers.
The rice and chicken can be reheated in the microwave or you can enjoy the bowl cold.
Top Cooking Tips
- Don’t be shy with the spices! Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for maximum flavor.
- Add additional lime juice to the chicken at the end of cooking to keep it fresh and vibrant. This prevents the lime from cooking off and losing its bright flavor.
- This dish is super versatile, so feel free to swap out ingredients. For example, try adding avocado or your favorite salsa for extra flavor. You can also add a handful of shredded lettuce for some crunch.
- Cook the chicken just until it’s browned and fully cooked through to keep it juicy and tender. Overcooking can make it dry.
FAQ
If you like some heat, try adding diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicy salsa. You can also sprinkle chili flakes or use a spicy seasoning mix for the chicken.
Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or serve without rice as lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
You can substitute chicken with shrimp, ground beef, tofu, or even grilled veggies for a vegetarian option. Check out these recipes for alternatives: Shrimp and Ground Beef.
Related
Looking for more Mexican recipes? Try these:
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RECIPE
Chicken Burrito Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked white rice
- 3 tablespoons lime juice divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 16 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts approximately 2 cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium tomato diced
- ½ small onion finely chopped
- ½ cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- ¼ cup sour cream optional
- Fresh cilantro leaves optional garnish
- Lime wedges optional garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add 1 ½ cups cooked rice and stir in 1 tablespoon lime juice (reserve the rest of the lime juice for later), ½ teaspoon salt, and chopped cilantro. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices. Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes or until browned and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally. Once the chicken is cooked, squeeze the remaining 2 tablespoons lime juice over the chicken and toss to combine. Remove from heat.
- While the chicken is cooking, preparethe toppings: Dice the tomato and chop the onion, drain and rinse the black beans, heat the corn in the microwave or a small pan until warmed through.
- To serve, divide the rice evenly between 4 bowls. Top each bowl with an even portion of the seasoned chicken. Add the corn, black beans, tomato, and red onion on top of the chicken and rice. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream or whatever other toppings you prefer. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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