If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful, and nourishing meal that feels like a fiesta in every bite, you’ve just found your new favorite: the Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Sauce Recipe. This dish is packed with juicy shredded chicken, zesty lime-infused rice, and a creamy cilantro-lime sauce that ties everything together with a tangy, fresh punch. Every element—from the black beans and corn to the crunchy romaine and melted cheese—works in perfect harmony, making this bowl an irresistible, wholesome meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Sauce Recipe is a breeze thanks to a lineup of simple, fresh ingredients that each play a key role in making the dish so incredibly satisfying. From the creamy sauce to the smoky chipotle, each item adds depth and excitement to every forkful.
- â…“ cup sour cream: Adds creaminess that balances the tang in the cilantro-lime sauce perfectly.
- â…“ cup mayonnaise: Gives the sauce a silky texture and rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Lightens the sauce to make it smooth and easy to drizzle.
- 1 tablespoon diced jalapenos: Injects just the right amount of mild heat and a zingy kick.
- 1 tablespoon cilantro: Fresh and herbaceous, essential for that signature cilantro-lime taste.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic warmth to the sauce and chicken.
- ¼ teaspoon dill: Brings a gentle, fresh undertone that complements the lime beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: Offers a smoky depth and vibrant color to the sauce.
- Juice from a ½ lime: Brings zesty citrus brightness essential for the sauce.
- 1 pound deli chicken (cooked and shredded): Tender and ready to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 3 tablespoons chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce (7-ounce can): Adds smoky spice that livens up the chicken.
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil: A mild oil perfect for warming the chicken without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory notes in the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- ½ squeezed lime juice: Brightens and freshens the warm chicken.
- 2 cups frozen jasmine rice (defrosted and heated): Fluffy and fragrant base to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
- ½ cup canned diced green chiles: Adds mild heat and tang for a Southwest flair.
- ⅓ cup cilantro (chopped): More fresh herbaceous flavor—the heart of the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the ingredients.
- Zest and lime juice from one lime: Intensifies the citrus notes in the rice.
- 2 heads romaine lettuce (roughly chopped): Crisp and refreshing base to contrast the warm ingredients.
- 1 15-ounce can black beans: Hearty protein and fiber, classic burrito bowl component.
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness add color and freshness.
- 1 cup frozen corn (defrosted): Adds natural sweetness and a bit of crunch.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully for richness and tang.
- ½ cup salsa: Adds a fresh, slightly spicy punch to finish off the bowl.
- ½ cup red onion (sliced): Provides crunch and a sharp bite to balance creaminess.
- 1 avocado (sliced): Creamy, buttery texture that’s the perfect topping.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Cilantro-Lime Sauce
Begin by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, diced jalapenos, fresh cilantro, garlic powder, dill, paprika, and juice from half a lime in a small bowl. Mix everything until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Pop this vibrant sauce into the fridge to chill while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Trust me, this sauce is the magic that elevates your Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Sauce Recipe to a whole new level.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Lettuce Base
Take your roughly chopped romaine lettuce and spread it evenly into a large serving bowl or divide it between four individual bowls if you’re serving family or guests. The crisp, cool lettuce provides the perfect fresh foundation for all the hearty, flavorful toppings about to come your way.
Step 3: Cook the Spicy Chipotle Chicken
Heat avocado oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Toss in the shredded chicken along with chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until everything is heated through and the chicken is well-coated with smoky, spicy goodness. Once ready, scatter the chicken over the romaine to add warmth and protein to your bowl.
Step 4: Flavor the Jasmine Rice
In a medium bowl, combine the defrosted jasmine rice, diced green chiles, chopped cilantro, kosher salt, lime zest, and fresh lime juice. Stir gently to mix all those bright, fresh flavors evenly through the fluffy rice. Spoon this vibrant, aromatic rice over the lettuce and chicken for a colorful and tantalizing base.
Step 5: Add the Fresh Salad Ingredients
Here’s where your bowl really starts to come alive. Layer on the black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, defrosted corn, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, sliced red onions, and creamy avocado slices. Each of these adds unique textures and tastes, making every forkful a joyful combination of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and savory.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Sauce Recipe pop even more, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top and drizzle extra cilantro-lime sauce over each bowl. A few jalapeno slices or a wedge of lime on the side adds a final touch of brightness and spice to complete the presentation.
Side Dishes
This burrito bowl shines wonderfully as a standalone meal, but if you want to serve sides, consider crispy tortilla chips with guacamole or a light Mexican street corn salad. These options complement the main dish without overpowering its bright, vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual chicken burrito bowls in small mason jars layered with each ingredient for a trendy, grab-and-go meal. Another exciting option is to turn it into a build-your-own burrito bowl bar for parties, letting everyone customize their bowl with extra toppings and sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover components separately for best results—keep the chicken, rice, and sauce in airtight containers in the fridge, and the fresh vegetables and lettuce separately to maintain crispness. This way, you can enjoy the fresh flavors again the next day without soggy veggies or flavors that have muddled together.
Freezing
The cooked chicken and rice freeze well if stored separately in freezer-safe containers. However, avoid freezing the sauce, fresh vegetables, and lettuce as they will lose their texture and freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen portions, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently warm the chicken and rice in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Reapply any chopped fresh ingredients and drizzle with freshly made or previously chilled cilantro-lime sauce before serving. This keeps the flavors vibrant and the textures just right.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While deli chicken is quick and convenient, grilled or rotisserie chicken works wonderfully too, adding a fresh homemade or smoky touch to your Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Sauce Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted vegetables like cauliflower to keep all the vibrant flavors intact while making it vegetarian-friendly.
How spicy is this dish?
The chipotle peppers and jalapenos add a moderate heat level that you can adjust by reducing or increasing these ingredients based on your spice preference. The creamy cilantro-lime sauce also helps mellow the spice for balanced flavor.
Can I use fresh rice instead of frozen jasmine rice?
You can! Freshly cooked jasmine rice works perfectly—just make sure it’s cooled or slightly chilled before combining with the lime and cilantro to keep the texture light and fluffy.
How long does the cilantro-lime sauce keep in the fridge?
The sauce stays fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making it great for meal prep or to enjoy with other dishes throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Sauce Recipe is hands down one of those effortless, crowd-pleasing dishes that brightens any mealtime with its fresh, bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing it to a casual get-together, it’s the kind of recipe people rave about and always want seconds of. So go ahead, dive in, and savor every delicious bite—your new favorite bowl awaits!
Print
Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
This vibrant Chicken Burrito Bowl combines tender shredded chicken cooked in a smoky chipotle sauce served over seasoned jasmine rice, fresh romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado. A creamy, zesty sauce ties everything together for a satisfying, flavorful meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce
- â…“ cup sour cream
- â…“ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon diced jalapenos
- 1 tablespoon cilantro
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dill
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Juice from ½ lime
Chicken
- 1 pound deli chicken (cooked and shredded)
- 3 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (7-ounce can)
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black ground pepper
- ½ squeezed lime juice
Rice
- 2 cups frozen jasmine rice (defrosted and heated)
- ½ cup canned diced green chiles
- â…“ cup cilantro (chopped)
- ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- Zest and juice from 1 lime
Salad and toppings
- 2 heads romaine lettuce (roughly chopped)
- 1 15-ounce can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup frozen corn (defrosted)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup red onion (sliced)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, diced jalapenos, cilantro, garlic powder, dill, paprika, and juice from half a lime. Mix thoroughly until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve. You can double this recipe if you prefer more sauce.
- Prepare the lettuce base. Roughly chop the romaine lettuce and place it evenly into a large serving bowl or divide among four individual bowls. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken. In a medium skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat. Add shredded deli chicken, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and lime juice. Stir and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well coated in the sauce. Then, add the chicken on top of the prepared lettuce in the bowl(s).
- Prepare the rice. In a separate medium bowl, combine the defrosted jasmine rice, diced green chiles, chopped cilantro, kosher salt, lime zest and juice. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Then add this rice mixture on top of the lettuce and chicken in the bowl(s).
- Add the salad ingredients. Layer black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, defrosted corn, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, sliced red onions, and sliced avocado on top of the rice and chicken mixture. Arrange ingredients evenly for each serving.
- Serve and enjoy. Drizzle the prepared creamy sauce over each bowl or serve it on the side for dipping. Mix ingredients together lightly before eating for a balanced bite of all flavors.
Notes
- You can use freshly cooked chicken instead of deli chicken if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers for desired spiciness.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives.
- Make sure to defrost frozen rice and corn fully before assembling to ensure even heating.
- This recipe can be served warm or at room temperature.
