Description
This Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe features tender, flavorful grilled chicken breasts seasoned with a smoky blend of spices, served over a bed of fluffy white rice, black beans, and sweet corn. Topped with fresh diced tomatoes, cilantro, shredded cheddar, sour cream, and salsa, these burrito bowls deliver a satisfying and balanced meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Rice
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Beans and Vegetables
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon salsa
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare it for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better grilling results.
- Oil the Chicken: Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil to help spices adhere and promote a good sear.
- Season the Chicken: Evenly sprinkle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts for a robust flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rinse the Rice: While the chicken cooks, rinse the white rice under cold water to remove excess starch for fluffier grains.
- Boil Water for Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
- Cook the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Let Rice Steam: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to steam and finish cooking.
- Fluff the Rice: Use a fork to fluff the cooked rice and separate the grains.
- Heat the Black Beans: In a small pot, warm the black beans over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Heat the Corn: In a separate small pan, warm the corn kernels over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips, cutting against the grain for tenderness.
- Combine Rice, Beans, and Corn: In a large bowl, mix the rice, warmed black beans, and corn kernels together.
- Add Lime Juice: Drizzle lime juice over the rice, beans, and corn mixture and stir gently to combine the flavors.
- Assemble Burrito Bowls: Divide the rice, beans, and corn mixture evenly between serving bowls.
- Add Chicken: Top each bowl with an even portion of sliced grilled chicken.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Spoon diced tomatoes and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the chicken for freshness and color.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the vegetables and chicken.
- Add Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream to each bowl for creaminess.
- Add Salsa: Spoon salsa over the sour cream for added flavor and moisture.
- Add Optional Heat: If desired, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top to add a touch of heat.
- Serve: Serve the burrito bowls immediately while warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Grilling chicken ensures a smoky, charred flavor, but you can substitute with stovetop grilling or baking if a grill is unavailable.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor in the rice mixture.
- Optional crushed red pepper flakes add extra spiciness and can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Leftover burrito bowls can be refrigerated and stored for up to 3 days, but cheese and sour cream should be added fresh before serving.
- For a lower calorie option, omit the sour cream and cheese or substitute with low-fat versions.
