One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl (Easy, Healthy, and Flavorful!)

This One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is a weeknight dinner lifesaver! It captures all the delicious flavors of a classic chicken burrito - tender chicken, flavorful rice, black beans, corn, and peppers - all cooked together in a single skillet. I love how this recipe is both incredibly easy to make and packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients. It's perfect for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that minimizes cleanup.

Why You'll Love This One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30-40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with lean protein, whole grains (if using brown rice), and plenty of vegetables.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients and toppings to your liking.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Makes great leftovers for lunch throughout the week.

Ingredients for One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious bowl. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Main Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (Meat)
• Long-grain white rice or brown rice (Grain)
• Black beans, rinsed and drained (Beans)
• Corn (canned or frozen) (Vegetable)
• Medium onion, diced (Vegetable)
• Bell pepper (red or green), diced (Vegetable)
• Olive oil (Oil)

Seasoning

• Ground cumin (Spice)
• Chili powder (Spice Blend)
• Garlic powder (Spice)
• Salt (Seasoning)
• Pepper (Spice)
• Lime juice (Acid)

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (Herb)

Optional Toppings

• Avocado (Fruit)
• Cheese (Dairy)
• Sour cream (Dairy)
• Jalapeños (Vegetable)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love this One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:

• Different Protein: Use ground beef, steak strips, shrimp, or chickpeas (for vegetarian) instead of chicken.
• Add More Vegetables: Toss in some diced zucchini, sweet potatoes, or spinach.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some diced jalapeños, or use a spicy chili powder.
• Different Beans: Use pinto beans or kidney beans instead of black beans.
• Add Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Stir in some salsa or pico de gallo for extra flavor.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

Let me show you how easy it is to make this One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl:

Prepare Your Ingredients

1. I dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season it well with salt, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.
2. I chop my onion and bell pepper into small pieces.
3. I rinse and drain the black beans and set them aside.

Cook the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, I heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. I add the seasoned chicken to the pan and sauté until it's cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables and Rice

1. Once the chicken is cooked, I add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet.
2. I sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. I stir in the rinsed rice, black beans, and corn, ensuring everything is well mixed.

Simmer

1. I pour in 1.5 cups of water (or chicken broth for extra flavor).
2. I bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Then, I reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes (for white rice; longer for brown rice), or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

Final Touches

1. Once cooked, I fluff the rice with a fork.
2. I squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.

Serve

1. Garnish and serve.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Burrito Bowl

Here are my secrets for making this bowl truly exceptional:

• Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming sticky and resulting in fluffier grains.
• Don't Peek!: Avoid lifting the lid too often while the rice is simmering. This keeps the steam inside, which is crucial for cooking the rice properly.
• Adjust Liquid if Needed: If the rice seems dry before it's fully cooked, add a little more water or broth, a tablespoon or two at a time.
• Fresh Lime and Cilantro: These garnishes add a crucial burst of freshness that brightens the whole dish.
• Season Well: Don't be shy with the seasonings! Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.

How to Serve

This One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is fantastic on its own, but even better with toppings! Serve with:

• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Sliced jalapeños
• Crushed tortilla chips for crunch

Make Ahead and Storage

This bowl is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.  

FAQs about One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Can I use brown rice?
  • Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook (around 40-45 minutes) and requires more liquid (usually a 2:1 ratio of liquid to rice). Adjust the recipe accordingly.
• Can I make this vegetarian?
  • Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with extra beans, lentils, tofu, or roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes. Use vegetable broth instead of water for more flavor.
• Is this dish spicy?
  • As written, it's mildly spiced. You can increase the heat by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh jalapeños.

Enjoy this easy, healthy, and flavorful One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl! It's a perfect solution for a delicious and hassle-free meal.

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