Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans

Grilled chicken burrito bowls with rice and beans are the ultimate meal prep or family dinner solution. Packed with protein, fresh vegetables, fluffy rice, and hearty beans, these bowls offer a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Each component of the dish is thoughtfully seasoned, from the smoky, marinated grilled chicken to the zesty cilantro-lime rice and well-spiced black beans. Best of all, these burrito bowls are fully customizable, allowing you to create a dish that suits your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning ahead for weekday lunches, this recipe has you covered. With a combination of bold Mexican-inspired flavors and vibrant colors, these burrito bowls are not only delicious but also beautiful to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Meal-Prep Friendly: These bowls store beautifully, making them a go-to for quick and healthy weekday lunches or dinners.
2. Packed with Flavor: Every ingredient, from the chicken to the rice and beans, is infused with bold, delicious seasoning.
3. Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, adjust the spice levels, or swap ingredients to fit your dietary preferences.
4. Nutritious and Balanced: This dish offers a healthy mix of lean protein, fiber, and carbs, perfect for fueling your day.
5. Family-Friendly: Everyone can assemble their own bowl with the toppings they love most, making it an interactive and fun meal for all ages.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving size: 1 bowl

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 550
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

For the Beans:

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup water or chicken broth

For the Bowl Assembly:

• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• 1 avocado, sliced or diced
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Salsa or pico de gallo (optional)
• Tortilla chips for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add water or chicken broth and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes (or 40-45 minutes for brown rice) until the liquid is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in lime juice and cilantro. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beans

1. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and water or chicken broth. Stir and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

1. Start with a base of cilantro-lime rice in each bowl.
2. Add a layer of black beans, followed by shredded lettuce.
3. Top with grilled chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, and avocado.
4. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
5. Garnish with salsa, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips if desired. Serve immediately.

Ingredient Background

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for grilling due to their tenderness and ability to absorb marinade. Thighs offer a juicier result, while breasts are leaner.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice is the classic choice, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice can be used for a healthier or low-carb alternative.
• Black Beans: These beans are high in protein and fiber, making them a filling and nutritious addition to the bowl.
• Cilantro-Lime Rice: A staple in many Mexican-inspired dishes, this rice adds a fresh and tangy element to the dish, balancing the richness of the chicken and beans.

Technique Tips

1. Marinate the Chicken: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse the meat with flavor. Longer marination (up to 4 hours) enhances the taste even more.
2. Rinse the Rice: Washing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming too sticky during cooking.
3. Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
4. Toast the Rice: Lightly toasting the rice before cooking enhances its nutty flavor and creates a more fragrant base.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Burrito Wraps: Use a large tortilla to wrap all the ingredients for a handheld version of this dish.
2. Deconstructed Platter: Serve the components separately on a platter so everyone can build their own bowl.
3. Taco Salad: Swap rice for a bed of mixed greens to turn this dish into a hearty salad.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Meal Prep: Prepare all components ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers. Assemble the bowls just before serving for maximum freshness.
2. Char the Corn: Grill the corn on the cob for a smoky, sweet flavor before cutting off the kernels.
3. Double the Marinade: Reserve some marinade (before adding the chicken) to drizzle over the finished bowls for extra flavor.
4. Keep It Warm: If serving a crowd, keep the grilled chicken and beans warm in a low oven or slow cooker.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu, roasted vegetables, or extra beans.
2. Low-Carb: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice and skip the beans for a keto-friendly version.
3. Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
4. Seafood Option: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or salmon for a lighter, seafood-forward dish.

Freezing and Storage

1. Storing Leftovers: Store chicken, rice, beans, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
2. Freezing the Chicken: Grilled chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on a skillet or in the oven.
3. Reheating Rice and Beans: Reheat rice and beans in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Use Brown Rice: Brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients than white rice, making it a healthier choice.
2. Swap Sour Cream for Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a lower-calorie and higher-protein alternative to sour cream.
3. Add More Vegetables: Include sautéed bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for additional nutrients and texture.
4. Reduce the Cheese: Use a smaller amount of cheese or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter bowl.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. DIY Burrito Bowl Bar: Set up a buffet with all the components and let guests build their own bowls.
2. Game Night Feast: Pair these bowls with chips, guacamole, and margaritas for a fun and flavorful meal.
3. Family Dinner: Serve the bowls family-style so everyone can pick and choose their favorite ingredients.

Special Equipment

1. Grill or Grill Pan: For perfectly charred and smoky chicken.
2. Medium Saucepan: For cooking rice and beans.
3. Tongs: To handle and flip the chicken while grilling.
4. Sharp Knife: For slicing the grilled chicken into even pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works well. Simply reheat it with a splash of lime juice for added flavor.

2. How can I make this recipe vegan?

Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas, use vegetable broth for cooking the rice and beans, and opt for dairy-free sour cream and cheese.

3. What other beans can I use?

Pinto beans, kidney beans, or even refried beans are great alternatives to black beans.

4. How do I make this spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the marinade, or top the bowls with sliced jalapeños or hot sauce.

5. Can I use store-bought salsa?

Absolutely! Store-bought salsa or pico de gallo is a quick and easy way to enhance the flavor of your bowl.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check the labels on any store-bought toppings like salsa or tortilla chips.

7. What’s the best way to reheat these bowls?

Reheat the rice, beans, and chicken separately in the microwave or on the stovetop. Assemble the bowls just before serving for the best results.

8. Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

Conclusion

Grilled chicken burrito bowls with rice and beans are the ultimate customizable, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a taco night, meal-prepping for the week, or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is sure to impress. With bold seasonings, fresh ingredients, and endless topping options, these burrito bowls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re easy to adapt for various diets and preferences. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the perfect combination of smoky, savory, and zesty flavors in every bite!

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