One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl: A Quick and Flavorful Meal
If you’re seeking a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make dinner, this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is the perfect choice. Combining tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and zesty spices, this dish delivers all the flavors of a traditional burrito without the extra carbs from tortillas. Plus, cooking everything in a single pan means minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
To prepare this hearty meal, you’ll need:
- Chicken: 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- Rice: 1 cup long-grain white rice
- Black beans: 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- Corn: 1 cup canned or frozen corn kernels
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced
- Bell pepper: 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Liquid: 1.5 cups water or chicken broth
- Lime: Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped, for garnish
Optional toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Pickled jalapeños
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Chop the onion and bell pepper into small pieces.
- Rinse and drain the black beans.
2. Sear the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the chicken.
- Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Combine Rice and Beans
- Stir in the rice, black beans, and corn, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
5. Add Liquid and Simmer
- Pour in 1.5 cups of water or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
6. Finish and Serve
- Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot, adding optional toppings as desired.
Tips and Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, or a plant-based protein like tofu for variety.
- Grain Options: Swap the white rice for brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or add cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and double the beans or add sautéed mushrooms for a meatless meal.
Serving Suggestions
This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience with:
- Side Dishes: Serve with tortilla chips and salsa or a simple green salad.
- Beverages: Pair with a refreshing limeade or iced tea.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but note that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and may need additional liquid. Adjust accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish as directed, divide into meal prep containers, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the dish.
Conclusion
The One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a family favorite, while the minimal cleanup is a bonus for busy cooks. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family. Subscribe to our blog for more delicious and easy recipes!
PrintOne Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl: A Quick and Flavorful Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and zesty spices for a quick, delicious, and hassle-free dinner. Perfect for weeknights, it delivers all the flavors of a burrito without the mess, making it a family favorite!
Ingredients
- Chicken (1 lb / 450g): Diced into bite-sized pieces 🐓
- Rice (1 cup): Long-grain white rice 🍚
- Black beans (1 can, 15 oz): Rinsed and drained 🥫
- Corn kernels (1 cup): Fresh, canned, or frozen 🌽
- Onion (1 medium): Diced 🧅
- Bell pepper (1): Diced, red or green 🫑
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For cooking 🌿
- Spices:
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp 🌶️
- Chili powder: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp 🧄
- Salt and pepper: To taste 🧂
- Liquid (1.5 cups): Water or chicken broth 💧
- Lime juice: Juice of 1 lime 🍋
- Cilantro: Fresh, chopped, for garnish 🌿
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced avocado 🥑
- Shredded cheese 🧀
- Sour cream
- Pickled jalapeños 🌶️
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the seasoned chicken until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Sauté the Vegetables
- Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Combine Rice and Beans
- Stir in the rice, black beans, and corn to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add Liquid and Simmer
- Pour in water or chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve
- Fluff the rice with a fork, squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish, and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with your choice of optional toppings.
Notes
- Make It Spicier: Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.