Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl

Name: Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup brown rice; 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn, cooked; 1 avocado, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges for serving

Highlighted under: Light Kitchen Classics

I love making this Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl because it brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors in a way that feels both satisfying and wholesome. Every bite is a burst of flavor, and the best part is that it can be customized to my liking. Whether I'm craving something spicy or want to mellow it out with cooler toppings, this bowl adapts to my mood. Plus, it's a fantastic option for meal prep throughout the week. Let's dive into how I make this delicious dish.

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2026-02-24T05:17:36.505Z

When I first crafted this Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl, I wanted to create a meal that included all my favorite flavors while being nutritious for my family. I experimented with various spices and fresh vegetables, ensuring each component complemented the others perfectly. The sizzling chicken seasoned with cumin and paprika forms the hearty centerpiece, while the colorful toppings provide texture contrast and freshness.

I found that using brown rice instead of white not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a slight nutty flavor that elevates the dish. One tip I’ve embraced is to let the chicken rest before slicing; this keeps it juicy and tender. You’ll want to savor each bite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Colorful, fresh ingredients that make every bite exciting
A perfect combination of protein and fiber for a wholesome meal
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings and spices

Cooking the Rice to Perfection

The key to perfectly cooked brown rice in this Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl is ensuring the right water-to-rice ratio and cooking time. Begin by rinsing the rice to remove excess starch, which can make it gummy. Use a medium saucepan to bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil before adding the rinsed rice. It’s important to cover the pot tightly to retain steam, allowing the rice to become tender and fluffy after about 30 minutes of simmering on low heat.

If you find the rice still seems hard after the cooking time, simply add a splash more water, cover, and continue to cook in 5-minute increments until it's tender. Remember to fluff it with a fork after cooking to separate the grains. This step significantly enhances the texture of your burrito bowl, making it a delicious base for the other ingredients.

Seasoning and Cooking the Chicken

When preparing the chicken for this bowl, the marinade ingredients — cumin and smoked paprika — play a critical role. Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor, while smoked paprika provides a subtle smokiness that elevates the dish. Ensure you generously coat the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance these spices further. Letting the spices sit on the chicken for a short while can also intensify the flavor as it marinates in the seasonings.

Using a medium-high heat when cooking the chicken is essential to achieve a golden brown crust, which develops rich flavor and texture. Keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks; you want to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) without overcooking it, which can lead to a dry texture. A meat thermometer is a handy tool here for ensuring precision.

Customizing Your Burrito Bowl

One of the best aspects of this Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl is its versatility. You can easily swap out the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, if you're out of black beans, pinto or kidney beans can be delightful alternatives that maintain the protein content while adding their unique flavors. Similarly, fresh corn on the cob can be grilled for a smoky twist or replaced with frozen corn if you're short on time.

Don't hesitate to mix in other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers to add crunch and freshness. For spice lovers, dicing some jalapeños or adding a drizzle of hot sauce can bring some heat to the bowl. And if you're on a low-carb diet, cauliflower rice can be a fantastic substitute for the brown rice, keeping the dish hearty yet light.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl delicious and nutritious!

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl:

1 cup brown rice
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn, cooked
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges for serving

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl effortlessly.

Cook the Rice

In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the brown rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Prepare the Chicken

While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and let it rest.

Assemble the Bowl

Once the chicken has rested, slice it into strips. In bowls, layer the brown rice, black beans, corn, sliced avocado, and cherry tomatoes. Top with the sliced chicken and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to mix in different vegetables or switch up the proteins for variety. Leftover chicken or even grilled shrimp would work wonderfully in this bowl.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This burrito bowl is an excellent option for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and rice in larger batches and store them separately in airtight containers. Both the rice and chicken can last in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep the freshness of the vegetables, it’s best to add those the day you plan to eat the bowl. This not only ensures crispness but also lets you enjoy the full flavors in every bite.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and rice. To do this, let them cool completely before placing them in freezer-safe bags. Make sure to label them with the date for easy tracking. When you're ready to eat, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave, and the rice will revive nicely with a splash of water.

Serving Suggestions

This Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl is a meal in itself, but it also shines as a part of a larger spread. Consider pairing it with a light green salad or some homemade tortilla chips for added crunch. For a richer flavor, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream can complement the bowl beautifully, while avocado adds healthy fats and creaminess.

If you're hosting or looking for a fun family dinner, set up a burrito bowl bar. Lay out your chicken, toppings like cheese, diced jalapeños, and salsas, along with the rice and beans, so everyone can build their own bowl. This not only makes the meal interactive but ensures that everyone gets to enjoy their favorite flavors.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chicken turns out dry, it may have been cooked too long or at too high of a heat. Always aim for the recommended cooking time and use a meat thermometer to verify doneness. Alternatively, letting the chicken rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and succulent.

For the rice, if you find it too mushy, it could be due to overcooking or using too much water. Adjust future batches by reducing the water slightly or monitoring the simmer time closely. Achieving the right texture is key, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the bowl.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can use white rice, but brown rice is healthier and provides more fiber.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables or tofu for a delicious veggie bowl.

→ Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes, this burrito bowl is perfect for meal prep. Just keep the components separate and assemble when ready to eat.