Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans: A Flavorful and Nutritious Meal
Bright, colorful, and packed with bold flavors, grilled chicken burrito bowls with rice and beans have become a favorite for home cooks and food lovers alike. Each bowl is a perfect combination of tender, smoky grilled chicken, fluffy rice, hearty beans, and fresh toppings that add texture and zest. These bowls aren’t just delicious—they’re a wholesome, balanced meal that satisfies hunger and cravings while keeping things nutritious. Ideal for meal prep, quick dinners, or entertaining guests, they offer flexibility to customize according to your taste. With every bite, you experience the perfect harmony of protein, fiber, and flavor.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a list of ingredients for making delicious grilled chicken burrito bowls:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breast | 2 medium (approx. 300g) | 330 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 kcal |
| Lime juice | 2 tablespoons | 8 kcal |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | 5 kcal |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon | 6 kcal |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon | 8 kcal |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Cooked rice | 1 cup | 205 kcal |
| Black beans | 1 cup (cooked) | 227 kcal |
| Corn kernels | ½ cup | 66 kcal |
| Cherry tomatoes | ½ cup | 15 kcal |
| Red bell pepper | ½ cup sliced | 20 kcal |
| Avocado | ½ medium | 120 kcal |
| Fresh cilantro | 2 tablespoons | 1 kcal |
| Sour cream or Greek yogurt | 2 tablespoons | 50 kcal |
| Shredded cheese | 2 tablespoons | 55 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the rice and beans: Cook rice according to package instructions. Heat black beans in a saucepan with a pinch of salt and optional spices like cumin or smoked paprika.
- Cook the vegetables: Lightly sauté bell peppers and corn in a pan for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Assemble the bowls: Start with a base of rice, then add black beans, grilled chicken slices, sautéed vegetables, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and your choice of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy warm, garnished with a lime wedge for an extra burst of freshness.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Make it spicy: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Try different proteins: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or steak.
- Go vegan: Replace chicken with marinated tempeh or roasted vegetables and use dairy-free yogurt or cheese.
- Experiment with grains: Swap rice for quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Add extra flavor: Incorporate pico de gallo, salsa, or pickled onions for a tangy twist.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 675 kcal |
| Protein | 44 g |
| Carbohydrates | 72 g |
| Fats | 27 g |
| Fiber | 14 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Vitamins & Minerals | Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a wedge of lime and extra cilantro for freshness.
- Pair with tortilla chips and salsa as a fun appetizer.
- Add a side of guacamole or pico de gallo to enhance flavor.
- Perfect for meal prep: store ingredients separately and assemble bowls when ready to eat.
Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans: A Flavorful and Nutritious Meal
2
servings20
minutes25
minutes675
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantitytCalories (Approx.)
Boneless chicken breastt2 medium (300g)t330 kcal
Olive oilt2 tablespoonst240 kcal
Lime juicet2 tablespoonst8 kcal
Garlic powdert1 teaspoont5 kcal
Chili powdert1 teaspoont6 kcal
Cumint1 teaspoont8 kcal
Salt & peppertTo tastet0 kcal
Cooked ricet1 cupt205 kcal
Black beans (cooked)t1 cupt227 kcal
Corn kernelst½ cupt66 kcal
Cherry tomatoest½ cup, halvedt15 kcal
Red bell peppert½ cup, slicedt20 kcal
Avocadot½ mediumt120 kcal
Fresh cilantrot2 tablespoonst1 kcal
Sour cream or Greek yogurtt2 tablespoonst50 kcal
Shredded cheese (optional)t2 tablespoonst55 kcal
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken
- Combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the chicken and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Grill the Chicken
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for about 6–7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Prepare the Rice and Beans
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- Warm black beans in a small pot with a sprinkle of salt and cumin.
- Sauté Vegetables
- Lightly sauté corn and bell peppers in a pan for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Assemble the Burrito Bowls
- Start with a base of rice.
- Add black beans, grilled chicken slices, sautéed vegetables, tomatoes, and avocado.
- Top with cheese, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Serve Fresh
- Squeeze lime juice on top before serving and enjoy warm!
Recipe Video
Notes
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to let the spices and lime juice infuse deeply. Always grill over medium-high heat to achieve a smoky, charred finish without drying out the meat. If you’re meal prepping, store the ingredients separately—rice, beans, and chicken in one container, and fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro in another.
FAQs
1. Can I make grilled chicken burrito bowls ahead of time?
Yes! Grilled chicken burrito bowls are great for meal prep. Simply cook the chicken, rice, and beans in advance, store them separately in airtight containers, and assemble when ready to eat. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
2. What type of rice is best for burrito bowls?
You can use white rice, brown rice, or even jasmine rice depending on your preference. For a healthier, high-fiber option, brown rice or quinoa works beautifully.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the grilled chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or extra beans for protein. Skip the cheese and sour cream or use plant-based alternatives to keep it vegan.
4. How do I keep the chicken juicy while grilling?
Marinating the chicken in olive oil, lime juice, and spices helps lock in moisture. Avoid overcooking—grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect tenderness.
5. What toppings go best with burrito bowls?
Great toppings include avocado slices, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, salsa, pico de gallo, lime wedges, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. You can also add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Grilled chicken burrito bowls with rice and beans are a perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Easy to prepare yet versatile, they cater to a wide range of taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or enjoying a quick weeknight dinner, these bowls deliver satisfying protein, fiber, and fresh flavors in every bite. Customizable, colorful, and wholesome, they are a go-to meal that keeps both your taste buds and your body happy.
