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Easy Flavor-Packed Chicken Burrito Bowls Meal Prep Recipe for Perfect Healthy Dinners

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A quick and easy chicken burrito bowl recipe featuring smoky, tender chicken, rice, beans, and fresh toppings, perfect for meal prep and healthy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 1/2 cups long grain white or brown rice, cooked (about 3 1/2 cups cooked)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup pico de gallo or fresh salsa
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced or sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for dolloping
  • Extra lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, cumin, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Rub olive oil over the chicken pieces, then coat evenly with the spice blend. Let sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions (white rice: 15-20 minutes; brown rice: 40-45 minutes). Fluff with a fork and stir in chopped cilantro.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden and slightly charred. Flip and cook another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
  5. Warm black beans and corn together in a small pan or microwave. Stir in a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime juice.
  6. Divide rice among bowls or containers. Top with beans and corn mixture, sliced chicken, pico de gallo, diced avocado, shredded cheese if using, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
  7. Squeeze extra lime juice over bowls before serving and garnish with extra cilantro if desired. For meal prep, cover and refrigerate up to 4 days.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for better browning. Do not overcrowd the pan to get a good sear. Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Char corn slightly for smoky flavor. Store avocado and dairy toppings separately to avoid browning. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, meal prep, healthy dinner, easy recipe, Mexican, chicken recipe, rice and beans, avocado, smoky chicken