Lunch Bowls

Chicken Burrito Bowls

Name: Chicken Burrito Bowls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, boneless and skinless; 2 cups (400g) cooked white or brown rice; 2 cups (250g) mixed roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini; 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (16 oz/455g) diced tomatoes, drained; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin; 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cups (1000g) mixed greens, such as lettuce, spinach, and arugula; 1 cup (120g) diced avocado; 1 cup (120g) sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh cilantro

By Nadia Carter · June 18, 2026 · Lunch Bowls

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made Chicken Burrito Bowls for my family. It was a Sunday afternoon, and I was determined to create a meal that would be easy to reheat and enjoy throughout the week. With a few simple ingredients and some clever meal prep, I was able to create a dish that would become a staple in our household.

As a home cook, I've learned that the key to making great Chicken Burrito Bowls is to focus on building flavors and textures. By cooking proteins, grains, and roasted vegetables as separate modular building blocks, you can create a dish that's both delicious and easy to customize. Plus, with a little planning, you can have a week's worth of lunches or dinners ready to go in no time.

One of the things I love about Chicken Burrito Bowls is how versatile they are. You can add or subtract ingredients to suit your tastes, and the dish is just as delicious whether you're eating it on the first day or the fifth. Whether you're a busy professional or a parent looking for a quick and easy meal solution, Chicken Burrito Bowls are the perfect answer.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make Chicken Burrito Bowls from scratch, using a combination of cooked chicken, flavorful rice, and roasted vegetables. We'll also talk about how to customize the dish with your favorite toppings and sauces, and how to store and reheat the bowls for maximum convenience.

So if you're ready to take your meal prep game to the next level, let's get started! With this recipe, you'll be enjoying delicious Chicken Burrito Bowls in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Burrito Bowls are an easy and convenient meal prep solution that can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
The dish is perfect for busy professionals or parents who need a quick and easy meal solution.
Chicken Burrito Bowls are a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste.
The dish is highly versatile and can be made with a variety of different ingredients and toppings.
Chicken Burrito Bowls are a healthy and nutritious meal option that's packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
The dish is easy to reheat and can be enjoyed at any time of day, making it perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Chicken Burrito Bowls is to focus on building flavors and textures. By cooking proteins, grains, and roasted vegetables as separate modular building blocks, you can create a dish that's both delicious and easy to customize. This approach also helps to prevent the ingredients from becoming mushy or overcooked, which is a common problem with meal prep dishes.

Another important factor is heat control. By cooking the chicken and vegetables at the right temperature, you can ensure that they're cooked through and safe to eat, without becoming dry or overcooked. This is especially important when reheating the dish, as you want to make sure that the ingredients are heated through without becoming dry or rubbery.

Finally, the use of layers and textures is crucial in making Chicken Burrito Bowls visually appealing and engaging to eat. By combining different ingredients and textures, such as crunchy vegetables, creamy sauces, and tender chicken, you can create a dish that's both delicious and fun to eat.

Overall, the combination of building flavors and textures, heat control, and layers and textures is what makes Chicken Burrito Bowls a successful and delicious meal prep dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Chicken Burrito Bowls, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need a combination of proteins, grains, and vegetables, as well as some flavorful sauces and toppings. In this recipe, we'll be using chicken breast, cooked rice, roasted vegetables, and a variety of different toppings and sauces to create a delicious and customizable dish.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. Look for chicken breast that's free of added hormones and steroids, and choose vegetables that are in season and at their peak freshness. You can also customize the dish with your favorite toppings and sauces, such as salsa, avocado, and sour cream.

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, boneless and skinlessChoose chicken breast that's free of added hormones and steroids, and trim any excess fat or connective tissue before cooking.
2 cups (400g) cooked white or brown riceUse leftover cooked rice or cook fresh rice according to package instructions. You can also use a combination of white and brown rice for added texture and nutrition.
2 cups (250g) mixed roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and zucchiniChoose a variety of colorful vegetables that are in season and at their peak freshness. You can also customize the dish with your favorite vegetables or add some heat with diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsedUse canned black beans for convenience, or cook dried black beans according to package instructions. You can also add some diced onion or garlic to the beans for added flavor.
1 can (16 oz/455g) diced tomatoes, drainedUse canned diced tomatoes for convenience, or dice fresh tomatoes and cook them down with some onion and garlic for added flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilChoose a high-quality olive oil that's rich in flavor and antioxidants. You can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil for a milder flavor.
1 tsp (5g) ground cuminUse ground cumin to add warmth and depth to the dish. You can also add some smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky flavor.
1 tsp (5g) smoked paprikaUse smoked paprika to add a smoky flavor to the dish. You can also use sweet paprika or chipotle powder for a spicy kick.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse salt and pepper to season the dish to taste. You can also add some diced onion or garlic to the chicken or vegetables for added flavor.
4 cups (1000g) mixed greens, such as lettuce, spinach, and arugulaChoose a variety of colorful greens that are fresh and at their peak flavor. You can also add some diced veggies or fruits to the greens for added texture and nutrition.
1 cup (120g) diced avocadoUse ripe avocado for added creaminess and nutrition. You can also add some sliced avocado to the dish for a decorative touch.
1 cup (120g) sour cream or Greek yogurtUse sour cream or Greek yogurt to add a tangy and creamy element to the dish. You can also add some diced herbs or chives to the sour cream for added flavor.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh cilantroUse fresh cilantro to add a bright and fresh flavor to the dish. You can also add some diced scallions or parsley to the cilantro for added texture and nutrition.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerLarge bowl or container for meal prep

How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowls

1
Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breast and toss to coat, making sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
3
Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C).
4
While the chicken is cooking, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the mixed roasted vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they're tender and lightly browned.
5
Add the cooked rice to the skillet or wok and stir to combine with the vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
6
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice and vegetable mixture, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
To assemble the burrito bowls, place a portion of the chicken and rice mixture in the bottom of a bowl. Top with mixed greens, diced avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and chopped fresh cilantro.
8
Serve the burrito bowls immediately, or store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
9
To reheat the burrito bowls, simply microwave or oven-heat the dish until the ingredients are heated through and the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).
10
Customize the dish with your favorite toppings and sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or shredded cheese.
11
Experiment with different ingredients and spices to create unique and delicious variations of the dish.

Expert Tips

Use leftover cooked rice and chicken to make the dish more convenient and reduce food waste.
Customize the dish with your favorite toppings and sauces to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
Add some heat to the dish with diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Use a variety of colorful vegetables to add texture and nutrition to the dish.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to create unique and delicious variations of the dish.
Store the burrito bowls in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months for a quick and easy meal solution.
Reheat the burrito bowls in the microwave or oven until the ingredients are heated through and the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).
Serve the burrito bowls with a side of tortilla chips or fresh fruit for a fun and satisfying meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality ingredients that are lacking in flavor and nutrition.
Overcooking the chicken and vegetables, resulting in a dry and unappetizing dish.
Not seasoning the dish to taste, resulting in a bland and unflavorful meal.
Not customizing the dish with your favorite toppings and sauces, resulting in a boring and uninteresting meal.
Not storing the burrito bowls properly, resulting in a soggy and unappetizing dish.
Not reheating the burrito bowls to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), resulting in a food safety risk.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onion or garlic to the chicken or vegetables for added flavor.
Use different types of protein, such as steak or tofu, for a unique and delicious variation.
Add some heat to the dish with diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Use a variety of colorful vegetables to add texture and nutrition to the dish.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to create unique and delicious variations of the dish.
Add some crumbled cheese or sour cream to the dish for an extra burst of flavor and creaminess.
Use different types of grains, such as quinoa or farro, for a nutritious and filling meal.

What to Serve With Chicken Burrito Bowls

Serve the Chicken Burrito Bowls with a side of tortilla chips or fresh fruit for a fun and satisfying meal. You can also customize the dish with your favorite toppings and sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or shredded cheese.

For a more substantial meal, add some diced steak or chicken to the dish, or serve with a side of black beans or roasted vegetables. You can also experiment with different types of grains, such as quinoa or farro, for a nutritious and filling meal.

Serve with tortilla chips or fresh fruit for a fun and satisfying mealAdd some diced steak or chicken to the dish for a more substantial mealServe with a side of black beans or roasted vegetables for a nutritious and filling mealExperiment with different types of grains, such as quinoa or farro, for a nutritious and filling meal

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the Chicken Burrito Bowls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months, and simply reheat it in the microwave or oven until the ingredients are heated through and the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).

When reheating the burrito bowls, make sure to heat them to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety. You can also customize the dish with your favorite toppings and sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or shredded cheese.

To prevent the burrito bowls from becoming soggy or unappetizing, make sure to store them in an airtight container and reheat them until they're hot and steaming. You can also add some fresh herbs or spices to the dish to give it a boost of flavor and freshness.

Overall, the Chicken Burrito Bowls are a convenient and delicious meal solution that can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary needs. With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal that's perfect for any time of day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to reheat the Chicken Burrito Bowls?

The best way to reheat the Chicken Burrito Bowls is to microwave or oven-heat the dish until the ingredients are heated through and the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).

Can I customize the dish with my favorite toppings and sauces?

Yes, you can customize the dish with your favorite toppings and sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or shredded cheese. Simply add your preferred toppings to the dish and serve.

How long can I store the Chicken Burrito Bowls in the refrigerator?

You can store the Chicken Burrito Bowls in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container and reheat them until they're hot and steaming.

Can I freeze the Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Yes, you can freeze the Chicken Burrito Bowls for up to 3 months. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and reheat them in the microwave or oven until the ingredients are heated through and the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).

What is the best way to prevent the burrito bowls from becoming soggy or unappetizing?

The best way to prevent the burrito bowls from becoming soggy or unappetizing is to store them in an airtight container and reheat them until they're hot and steaming. You can also add some fresh herbs or spices to the dish to give it a boost of flavor and freshness.

Can I use different types of protein in the dish?

Yes, you can use different types of protein in the dish, such as steak or tofu. Simply substitute the protein of your choice and cook it according to your preferences.

What is the nutritional information for the Chicken Burrito Bowls?

The nutritional information for the Chicken Burrito Bowls will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. However, the dish is generally high in protein, fiber, and vitamins, and low in calories and fat.

Can I make the Chicken Burrito Bowls ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Chicken Burrito Bowls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Simply assemble the dish and store it in an airtight container, then reheat it until the ingredients are heated through and the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).

The Full Recipe

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