The Best One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe You’ll Love

Dinners that burst with flavor while keeping cleanup minimal always win in busy kitchens.

This spectacular one-pan chicken burrito bowl recipe combines zesty Mexican-inspired ingredients with streamlined cooking techniques.

Families crave simple meals that pack a punch of deliciousness without endless dishes to wash afterward.

Fresh cilantro, juicy chicken, and perfectly seasoned rice create a wholesome meal you’ll devour in minutes.

Colorful bell peppers and tender black beans add depth and nutrition to every satisfying bite.

Weeknight cooking reaches new heights of convenience with this easy, mouth-watering dish that brings restaurant quality right to your table.

Prepare to transform your dinner routine with this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises maximum taste with minimal effort.

Why This Burrito Bowl Is a Weeknight Star

• Lightning-Fast Weeknight Winner: Whip up a delicious, nutritious dinner in less than thirty minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying and quick meal.
• Flavor-Packed Customization: Easily personalize your burrito bowl with optional toppings like avocado, cheese, or sour cream, making it adaptable to every taste preference and dietary need.
• Nutrient-Rich Comfort Food: Enjoy a balanced meal combining lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich beans and rice, and colorful vegetables that deliver both taste and wholesome nutrition.

Ingredients for a One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Chicken: Tender and lean protein perfect for a hearty meal.

Black Beans: Packed with protein and fiber for extra nutrition.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Warm and zesty seasonings that add depth to the dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Colorful and crisp veggies that bring freshness.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that add a pop of texture.

• Rice: Fluffy and filling base for the burrito bowl.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil for sautéing.
• Water or Chicken Broth: Liquid for cooking rice.
• Lime: Bright citrus for adding freshness.

• Cilantro, Avocado, Cheese, Sour Cream: Fun extras to customize your bowl.

How to Make Burrito Bowls in One Skillet

Step 1: Prep the Main Components

Grab your cutting board and slice chicken into small chunks.

Season the chicken with warm, zesty spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Chop onions and bell peppers into petite pieces.

Rinse black beans thoroughly and set them nearby.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature.

Toss seasoned chicken into the pan, letting it dance and brown beautifully.

Cook until each piece turns golden and cooks completely through, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Layer in Colorful Vegetables

After chicken looks perfectly cooked, add diced onions and bell peppers.

Let these veggies soften and release their delicious flavors for 3-4 minutes.

Introduce rice, black beans, and corn into the skillet, stirring everything together for a vibrant mix.

Step 4: Create Delicious Liquid Magic

Pour water or chicken broth into the skillet.

Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight lid, and let everything simmer gently.

Wait 15-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid disappears.

Step 5: Elevate with Fresh Garnishes

Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.

Squeeze fresh lime juice across the dish for a bright, zesty kick.

Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.

Add optional toppings like creamy avocado, melted cheese, or cool sour cream for extra deliciousness.

Tips to Get Flavor in Every Bite

• Marinate chicken in spices for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and penetrate seasoning completely.
• Stir rice occasionally during simmering and use a non-stick skillet to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• Swap white rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb option or use quinoa for added protein and gluten-free alternative.
• Double the recipe and store leftovers in airtight containers for quick lunches, staying fresh up to 3-4 days in refrigerator.
• Add rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken to reduce overall cooking time and simplify meal preparation.

Best Storage and Reheating for Burrito Bowls

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the burrito bowl fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water to prevent dryness, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm the burrito bowl in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Skip freezing this dish, as rice and cooked vegetables can lose texture and become mushy when thawed.

What to Serve With Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Craft Zesty Wine Pairing: Bright and crisp sauvignon blanc cuts through the rich, spicy flavors of the chicken burrito bowl, offering a refreshing counterpoint that enhances the dish's complexity.
• Elevate with Craft Beer: Hoppy Mexican-style lager complements the bold spices and provides a smooth, light backdrop that matches the hearty ingredients without overwhelming the palate.
• Mix Refreshing Margarita: Classic lime margarita echoes the citrus notes in the dish, while the tequila's warmth balances the savory chicken and rice, creating a vibrant and satisfying dining experience.
• Splash with Sparkling Water: Lime-infused sparkling water cleanses the palate between bites, highlighting the burrito bowl's layered seasonings and providing a light, hydrating accompaniment.

Bowl Build Ideas to Switch Things Up

• Vegetarian Bowl: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, seasoned identically to maintain original flavor profile.
• Cauliflower Rice Option: Swap traditional rice with low-carb cauliflower rice for a lighter, nutrient-dense alternative that reduces overall carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use certified gluten-free rice and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free certified to accommodate individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Increase chili powder and add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for those craving extra heat and bold southwestern flavors.

FAQs

• Is this a gluten-free recipe?

Yes, the One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free rice and ensuring no cross-contamination in ingredient sourcing.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works great. Just adjust the cooking liquid and time since brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking period.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has mild spice levels from chili powder and cumin. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder for extra kick or reducing it for a milder flavor.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Definitely! The dish uses affordable ingredients like chicken, rice, beans, and vegetables, making it an economical meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.

One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican-inspired One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl brings zesty flavors straight from spice-rich kitchens. Quick weeknight meals never tasted so good, with layers of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Fat:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

Grains & Liquid:

• 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
• 1.5 cups water or chicken broth

Garnish & Toppings:

• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Optional: Avocado
• Optional: Shredded cheese
• Optional: Sour cream
• Optional: Jalapenos

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Instructions

1. Prepare a flavorful seasoning blend for the chicken using aromatic spices, ensuring each piece is well-coated with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Slice the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and quick preparation.
3. Finely chop the onion and bell pepper to create a harmonious vegetable mix that will infuse the dish with vibrant colors and flavors.
4. Thoroughly rinse and drain the black beans to remove any excess liquid and preserve their texture.
5. Select a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal cooking surface for the chicken.
6. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior and seal in the spices.
7. Cook the chicken thoroughly, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning and complete internal cooking.
8. Introduce the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, letting them soften and caramelize slightly, releasing their natural sweetness.
9. Add rice, black beans, and corn to the skillet, gently mixing to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the dish.
10. Pour in water or chicken broth, creating a flavorful liquid base that will help cook the rice and meld the ingredients together.
11. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
12. Cover the skillet and allow the ingredients to steam and absorb the liquid, creating a cohesive and tender one-pan meal.
13. After 15-20 minutes, check the rice for tenderness and ensure all liquid has been absorbed.
14. Fluff the rice with a fork, separating the grains and creating a light, airy texture.
15. Enhance the dish’s brightness by squeezing fresh lime juice over the top, adding a zesty and refreshing element.
16. Finish by garnishing with chopped cilantro and optional toppings like creamy avocado, shredded cheese, or cool sour cream.

Notes

• Quickly dice chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for better heat retention and deeper caramelization of chicken and vegetables.
• Substitute white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that maintains the burrito bowl’s delicious profile.
• Optional protein swaps like tofu or shredded beef work perfectly with the existing seasoning blend, making this recipe versatile for different dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg