Description
Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls are colorful, customizable, and full of flavor. Juicy marinated chicken, fluffy rice, hearty beans, crisp veggies, and zesty toppings come together in a wholesome, protein-packed meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or taco night, this burrito bowl rivals restaurant takeout and can be tailored with endless variations.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime)
- 1 can black beans or pinto beans, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes or salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
Toppings
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips for crunch (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill or pan-sear chicken until cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and slightly charred. Rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Cook rice and season with lime juice and fresh cilantro if desired.
- Warm beans and sauté bell peppers, or leave vegetables raw for a fresh crunch.
- Assemble bowls: start with rice, then add beans, veggies, and sliced chicken.
- Top with cheese, avocado, salsa, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately or store in meal prep containers for later.
Notes
- For spicier chicken, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the marinade.
- Make it vegetarian by swapping chicken for grilled veggies, tofu, or tempeh.
- Use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
- Perfect for meal prep—store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Meal Prep, Healthy Recipes
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwest, Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowl, Chicken Burritos, Burrito Bowl Recipe, Meal Prep Bowls, Healthy Dinner