Are you looking for a meal that is delicious, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans. This dish is packed with bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and endless customization options to suit any taste preference.
Whether you are meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or just craving a restaurant-quality burrito bowl at home, this recipe has you covered. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into every aspect of making the perfect burrito bowl, from marinating the chicken to selecting the best toppings. So, let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this meal is balanced and nourishing.
- Customizable – Add or swap ingredients based on dietary preferences.
- Easy to Prepare – With a little meal prep, this can be a quick and effortless meal.
- Great for Meal Prep – Store leftovers in the fridge for grab-and-go lunches.
- Restaurant Quality at Home – Get all the flavors of your favorite burrito bowl without the extra cost.
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Rice:
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- Juice of ½ lime
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
For the Beans:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup water
Optional Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup corn (canned, fresh, or frozen)
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup salsa or pico de gallo
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate & Grill the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, and all the spices.
- Coat the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Preheat the grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F).
- Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice or dice.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water.
- Bring water or chicken broth to a boil, add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes (or per package instructions).
- Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
Step 3: Prepare the Beans
- In a small saucepan, heat the beans with water, cumin, garlic powder, and salt over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the rice and beans into serving bowls.
- Add the grilled chicken on top.
- Arrange your favorite toppings like tomatoes, avocado, corn, red onion, cheese, and jalapeños.
- Drizzle with sour cream, salsa, or extra lime juice.
Tips for the Best Burrito Bowls
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh lime juice, ripe avocados, and homemade salsa enhance flavor.
- Make it Spicy – Add hot sauce, extra jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne to the chicken marinade.
- Grill for Extra Flavor – Grilling imparts a smoky charred taste that makes a big difference.
- Meal Prep Ahead – Cook extra rice, beans, and chicken to enjoy throughout the week.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the Protein: Use grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Change the Base: Try cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lower-carb alternative.
- Make it Vegan: Skip the chicken and cheese, and add grilled veggies or extra beans.
- Add a Sauce: Drizzle with chipotle mayo, cilantro lime dressing, or a squeeze of fresh lime.
Meal Prep & Storage
- Refrigeration: Store all ingredients separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken, rice, and beans in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are the perfect combination of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Whether you enjoy them fresh or as a meal-prep option, they are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full. Give this recipe a try, and let us know your favorite toppings in the comments below!