Chicken Burrito Bowls

Chicken Burrito Bowls are a great way to enjoy all the flavors of a burrito without the wrapping. You get tender, seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, beans, fresh veggies like corn…

By Alina • February 15, 2026 • Reading time: 6 min

Save Recipe Print Recipe

Tip: save now, cook later.

Chicken Burrito Bowls are a great way to enjoy all the flavors of a burrito without the wrapping. You get tender, seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, beans, fresh veggies like corn and tomatoes, plus melted cheese and creamy guacamole, all layered in one bowl. It’s fresh, filling, and colorful, making it a fun meal for any day.

I love making these because you can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have or what you’re craving. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of cilantro to keep things bright and tasty. It’s a simple recipe that always feels like a little celebration on your plate.

When I serve Chicken Burrito Bowls, I like to have everyone build their own so they can customize it just how they like. It’s also perfect for leftovers and easy to pack for lunch the next day. Plus, it’s one of those meals that always gets everyone excited to eat together.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken breasts: These give a lean protein base with mild flavor that soaks up spices well. Boneless and skinless work best for quick cooking. You can swap for thighs if you prefer juicier meat.

Quinoa or rice: Both make a great grain base. Quinoa adds nuttiness and extra protein, while rice gives a soft, neutral touch. Feel free to use brown rice or cauliflower rice for different textures or lower carbs.

Black beans and corn: These add hearty texture and sweetness to balance the spice. Canned beans and corn are convenient, just rinse well to reduce sodium.

Pico de gallo: Fresh and tangy, this salsa brightens the bowl. You can make your own or buy pre-made. For a twist, try adding diced mango or pineapple.

Avocado: Creamy and cooling, avocado softens the spices. If you need a substitute, a spoonful of sour cream or a little shredded cheese works well.

Cilantro-lime dressing: This yogurt-based dressing lifts the whole bowl with fresh herbs and citrus. Greek yogurt gives creaminess with protein, but sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt works too.

How Do You Get Juicy, Well-Seasoned Chicken Every Time?

Seasoning the chicken well and cooking it right is key. Here’s how to get juicy slices with good flavor and char:

• Mix your spices thoroughly and rub them evenly over the chicken.
• Heat your pan or grill to medium heat before adding chicken—this helps form a nice crust without burning.
• Cook 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Don’t flip too often; one flip is enough.
• Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep juices inside.

This method keeps your chicken tender, flavorful, and perfect for your bowl.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Grill pan or skillet – perfect for getting a nice char on the chicken without needing outdoor grilling.
• Mixing bowls – useful for seasoning the chicken and mixing the dressing ingredients easily.
• Sharp knife – helps you slice the rested chicken into even strips for a neat bowl.
• Cutting board – protects your counters and gives you a safe surface to chop veggies and avocado.
• Spoons and measuring spoons – for accurately measuring spices and stirring dressings.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to change the protein; shrimp cooks quickly and tofu soaks up flavors well.
• Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit more heat in your bowl.
• Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
• Top with pickled red onions or fresh radishes for a crunchy, tangy twist.

Chicken Burrito Bowls

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Bowl:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
• 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 cup pico de gallo (fresh tomato salsa)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Lettuce leaves or shredded lettuce, as base

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, including mixing spices, cooking the chicken, and assembling the bowls. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for a tasty weeknight meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Season and Cook the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over the chicken breasts. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and nicely charred. Remove the chicken, let it rest a few minutes, then slice into strips.

2. Make the Cilantro-Lime Dressing

While the chicken cooks, combine Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside.

3. Assemble Your Burrito Bowls

Start with a base of chopped lettuce in each bowl. Add cooked quinoa or rice on one side. Place black beans and corn kernels in sections. Add a scoop of pico de gallo, then top with sliced avocado and grilled chicken strips. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Drizzle the cilantro-lime dressing over the bowl just before serving.

4. Serve and Enjoy!

Your fresh and flavorful Chicken Burrito Bowls are ready to enjoy immediately. They’re colorful, nutritious, and perfect for a quick meal any day of the week!

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasoning stick and prevents steaming instead of searing.

Can I Make the Burrito Bowls Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can cook the chicken, prepare the grains, and make the dressing a day in advance. Store components separately in airtight containers and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Keep leftover chicken, grains, and beans in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store avocado slices separately and add fresh just before eating, or toss them in lemon or lime juice to slow browning.

Can I Substitute the Cilantro-Lime Dressing?

Yes! You can use plain sour cream, a light vinaigrette, or even guacamole as a tasty alternative. Feel free to adjust the dressing to suit your taste or dietary preferences.