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Easy Flavor-Packed Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe for Meal Prep Success

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A quick and easy chicken burrito bowl recipe perfect for meal prep, featuring smoky, tangy chicken, seasoned rice, beans, and fresh toppings. Ready in under 40 minutes and keeps well for up to 4 days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice or brown rice
  • 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup salsa verde or your favorite salsa
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate at room temperature for 20-30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes (40-45 minutes for brown rice). Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Stir in lime juice and cilantro.
  3. Heat skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  4. Rinse black beans and drain corn if canned. Warm gently in a pan or microwave.
  5. Divide rice into bowls or meal prep containers. Top with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and salsa verde. Add avocado, cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream if desired.

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor. Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Rinse rice thoroughly to avoid gummy texture. Keep avocado and salsa separate when storing to avoid sogginess. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to keep chicken moist.

Nutrition

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