Burrito Bowls

Chicken Burrito Bowl

Name: Chicken Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 medium tomatoes, charred and diced; 1 large onion, charred and diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup cooked white rice; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 avocado, diced; 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tbsp sour cream

By Marisol Vega · June 18, 2026 · Burrito Bowls

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

There's something special about a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that never fails to hit the spot. For me, that something special is a Chicken Burrito Bowl, filled with the rich flavors of Mexico and the love of a home-cooked meal. Growing up in a Guadalajara family in San Antonio, I learned the secrets of traditional Mexican cooking from my abuela, who taught me that the key to great food lies in the simple, patient preparation of each ingredient.

One of my favorite memories is of helping Abuela in the kitchen, watching as she carefully charred tomatoes and onions on the comal, filling the air with the smell of smoky sweetness. Those same smells and tastes are at the heart of this Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe, which I'm excited to share with you today. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.

The beauty of a burrito bowl lies in its simplicity and versatility. It's a meal that can be customized to suit any taste, with a base of flavorful rice, beans, and chicken that can be topped with a wide range of delicious ingredients. In this recipe, we'll focus on building a solid foundation of charred vegetables, tender chicken, and creamy beans, then finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dollop of sour cream.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend meal prep, or even a special occasion. It's a dish that's sure to please both kids and adults, and can be easily scaled up or down to feed a crowd. So let's get started, and create a Chicken Burrito Bowl that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

As we cook, remember that the key to a great burrito bowl is in the layers of flavor we build. We'll start with the foundation of charred vegetables, then add the richness of chicken and beans, and finally top it all off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of citrus. It's a dish that's all about balance and harmony, and I'm excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to use up leftover chicken and vegetables.
The dish is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings and ingredients.
It's a healthy and balanced meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The recipe makes a large batch, so you can feed a crowd or have leftovers for later.
It's a fun and interactive meal that's sure to please both kids and adults.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to a great Chicken Burrito Bowl lies in the combination of textures and flavors that we build throughout the recipe. By charring the tomatoes and onions, we create a deep, smoky flavor that adds depth to the dish. The chicken, cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce, adds protein and richness, while the beans provide a creamy, comforting element. Finally, the sprinkle of fresh cilantro and squeeze of lime juice add a bright, freshness that balances out the flavors.

Another key element of this recipe is the use of layers. By building the dish in layers, we create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that's sure to please. The foundation of rice and beans provides a solid base, while the chicken and charred vegetables add flavor and interest. Finally, the toppings of sour cream, avocado, and cilantro add a creamy, fresh element that completes the dish.

Throughout this recipe, we'll also be using a technique called 'layering' to build the flavors. This involves adding ingredients in a specific order, allowing each one to cook and meld with the others before adding the next. This technique helps to create a rich, complex flavor profile that's sure to impress.

Finally, the use of patience and time is essential to this recipe. By taking the time to char the vegetables, cook the chicken, and simmer the beans, we create a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with quicker cooking methods. So be sure to plan ahead, and don't be afraid to take your time as you cook. The end result will be well worth it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let's take a look at the ingredients we'll need. This recipe uses a combination of fresh, dried, and canned ingredients to create a rich and flavorful dish. Be sure to choose the freshest ingredients you can find, and don't be afraid to substitute or omit ingredients as needed.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the chicken. We'll be using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which can be found in most supermarkets. We'll also be using a variety of spices and seasonings, including cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, to add depth and flavor to the dish.

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breastsWe'll be using chicken breasts for this recipe, which can be found in most supermarkets. Be sure to choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture.
2 medium tomatoes, charred and dicedWe'll be charring the tomatoes on the comal or under the broiler to add a deep, smoky flavor to the dish. Choose fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
1 large onion, charred and dicedLike the tomatoes, we'll be charring the onion to add a sweet, caramelized flavor to the dish. Choose a large, sweet onion for the best flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedWe'll be using garlic to add a pungent, savory flavor to the dish. Choose fresh, high-quality garlic for the best flavor.
1 tsp ground cuminCumin is a key spice in Mexican cooking, and adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dish. Choose high-quality cumin for the best flavor.
1 tsp chili powderChili powder adds a spicy, smoky flavor to the dish, and is a key component of many Mexican recipes. Choose high-quality chili powder for the best flavor.
1 tsp smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish, and is a key component of many Mexican recipes. Choose high-quality smoked paprika for the best flavor.
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsedWe'll be using canned black beans for this recipe, which can be found in most supermarkets. Choose low-sodium beans for the best flavor.
1 cup cooked white riceWe'll be using cooked white rice as the base of the burrito bowl, which can be found in most supermarkets. Choose fresh, high-quality rice for the best flavor.
2 tbsp olive oilWe'll be using olive oil to cook the chicken and add flavor to the dish. Choose high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Salt and pepper to tasteWe'll be using salt and pepper to season the dish and add flavor. Choose high-quality salt and pepper for the best flavor.
1 avocado, dicedWe'll be using diced avocado as a topping for the burrito bowl, which adds a creamy, rich flavor to the dish. Choose fresh, ripe avocados for the best flavor.
1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)We'll be using shredded cheese as a topping for the burrito bowl, which adds a creamy, melty flavor to the dish. Choose high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantroWe'll be using chopped fresh cilantro as a topping for the burrito bowl, which adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish. Choose fresh, high-quality cilantro for the best flavor.
2 tbsp sour creamWe'll be using sour cream as a topping for the burrito bowl, which adds a creamy, tangy flavor to the dish. Choose high-quality sour cream for the best flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokComal or broilerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowl

1
Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C).
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat, making sure they're evenly covered with the spice mixture.
3
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
4
While the chicken is cooking, char the tomatoes and onion on the comal or under the broiler. To do this, simply place the tomatoes and onion on the comal or a baking sheet and cook until charred and blistered, about 5-7 minutes per side.
5
Once the tomatoes and onion are charred, remove them from the heat and let them cool. Once cool enough to handle, dice them and set them aside.
6
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
7
Add the diced tomatoes and onion to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
8
Add the black beans, cooked rice, and shredded cheese to the skillet. Cook until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
9
To assemble the burrito bowls, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Divide the rice and bean mixture among four bowls, then top each bowl with a portion of the chicken, some diced avocado, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.
10
Serve the burrito bowls immediately, garnished with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
11
To add some extra flavor to the dish, try adding some diced bell peppers or diced jalapenos to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes.
12
For an extra-special touch, try serving the burrito bowls with a side of homemade tortilla chips or a simple green salad.
13
To make the dish more substantial, try adding some cooked sausage or diced ham to the skillet with the chicken.
14
To make the dish more spicy, try adding some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes.

Expert Tips

To get the best flavor out of your charred tomatoes and onion, be sure to cook them until they're deeply blistered and charred.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese and toppings to find the combination that you like best.
To make the dish more substantial, try adding some cooked sausage or diced ham to the skillet with the chicken.
To make the dish more spicy, try adding some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes.
For an extra-special touch, try serving the burrito bowls with a side of homemade tortilla chips or a simple green salad.
To add some extra flavor to the dish, try adding some diced bell peppers or diced jalapenos to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes.
Be sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety.
To make the dish more convenient, try cooking the chicken and rice ahead of time and refrigerating or freezing them until you're ready to assemble the burrito bowls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Not charring the tomatoes and onion enough, which can result in a lack of flavor in the dish.
Overcooking the rice and beans, which can make them dry and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture in the dish.
Not experimenting with different toppings and ingredients, which can make the dish seem boring and uninteresting.
Not cooking the dish in layers, which can result in a lack of depth and complexity in the flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

Try adding some diced bell peppers or diced jalapenos to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Cheddar, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some cooked sausage or diced ham to the skillet with the chicken for added protein and flavor.
Try using different types of beans, such as pinto or kidney beans, for a change of pace.
Add some diced onions or diced tomatoes to the rice for extra flavor and texture.
Use leftover chicken or turkey for a convenient and delicious meal.
Try serving the burrito bowls with a side of homemade tortilla chips or a simple green salad for a fun and easy meal.

What to Serve With Chicken Burrito Bowl

The Chicken Burrito Bowl is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Try serving it with a side of homemade tortilla chips or a simple green salad for a fun and easy meal. You could also try adding some diced onions or diced tomatoes to the rice for extra flavor and texture.

For a more substantial meal, try adding some cooked sausage or diced ham to the skillet with the chicken. You could also try using different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Cheddar, for a unique flavor profile.

Serve the Chicken Burrito Bowl with a side of homemade tortilla chips or a simple green salad.Add some diced onions or diced tomatoes to the rice for extra flavor and texture.Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Cheddar, for a unique flavor profile.Try adding some cooked sausage or diced ham to the skillet with the chicken for added protein and flavor.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Chicken Burrito Bowl can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, simply place the cooked chicken, rice, and beans in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. To freeze, place the cooked chicken, rice, and beans in airtight containers or freezer bags and store them in the freezer.

To reheat, simply microwave the chicken, rice, and beans until they're heated through. You can also try reheating them in a skillet on the stovetop or in the oven. Be sure to add a little water or broth to the skillet or oven to prevent the dish from drying out.

When reheating, be sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety. You can also try adding some fresh cilantro or lime juice to the dish for extra flavor and freshness.

For a convenient and delicious meal, try cooking the chicken and rice ahead of time and refrigerating or freezing them until you're ready to assemble the burrito bowls. This can save you time and effort during the week, and ensure that you have a healthy and delicious meal ready to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for this recipe, as they're easy to cook and provide a lean source of protein.

How do I char the tomatoes and onion?

To char the tomatoes and onion, simply place them on a comal or under the broiler and cook until they're deeply blistered and charred. This can take about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the heat and the size of the vegetables.

Can I use leftover chicken or turkey for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use leftover chicken or turkey for this recipe. Simply shred or chop the cooked meat and add it to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes.

How do I cook the rice and beans?

To cook the rice and beans, simply follow the package instructions for the type of rice and beans you're using. You can also try cooking them in a skillet on the stovetop or in the oven for added flavor and texture.

Can I add other ingredients to the burrito bowls?

Yes, you can definitely add other ingredients to the burrito bowls to suit your taste. Some ideas include diced bell peppers, diced jalapenos, cooked sausage or ham, and shredded cheese.

How do I store the Chicken Burrito Bowl?

How do I reheat the Chicken Burrito Bowl?

To reheat the Chicken Burrito Bowl, simply microwave the chicken, rice, and beans until they're heated through. You can also try reheating them in a skillet on the stovetop or in the oven. Be sure to add a little water or broth to the skillet or oven to prevent the dish from drying out.

Can I make the Chicken Burrito Bowl ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make the Chicken Burrito Bowl ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken, rice, and beans, then refrigerate or freeze them until you're ready to assemble the burrito bowls.

The Full Recipe

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