A Flavorful, Hassle-Free Meal for Busy Days
Imagine a meal that’s packed with bold flavors, easy to make, and requires only one pan—less mess, less cleanup, and all the deliciousness of a classic burrito in a bowl. This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl (Delicious & Easy) is a quick, healthy, and satisfying recipe perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.
With juicy chicken, hearty black beans, tender rice, and vibrant bell peppers, this dish has everything you love about burritos—minus the tortilla! Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños.
Let’s dive into how to make this easy, one-pan Chicken Burrito Bowl that will soon become a household favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – A 30-minute meal with minimal prep.
✔️ One Pan – No extra dishes or mess.
✔️ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust the spice level and toppings to your taste.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Store leftovers for easy lunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs | 1 lb (450g) |
| Long-grain white rice (or brown rice) | 1 cup |
| Black beans (rinsed & drained) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Corn (canned or frozen) | 1 cup |
| Medium onion (diced) | 1 |
| Bell pepper (diced, red or green) | 1 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Lime juice | Juice of 1 lime |
| Fresh cilantro (chopped) | For garnish |
Optional Toppings:
- Avocado – Adds creaminess.
- Shredded cheese – For extra richness.
- Sour cream – A cool, tangy contrast.
- Jalapeños – For spice lovers.
Kitchen Tools for Preparation
To make this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl, you’ll need:
- Large skillet or deep pan – A wide, deep pan is best.
- Sharp knife – For chopping the chicken and veggies.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – To stir and combine ingredients.
- Measuring cups & spoons – For accuracy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl
1. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan.
- Toss in the onions and bell peppers, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the Rice, Beans, and Corn
- Stir in the rice, black beans, and corn.
- Pour in 2 cups of water or chicken broth to help cook the rice.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
4. Simmer Until Rice is Cooked
- Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.
5. Slice the Chicken & Mix Everything Together
- Slice or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the chicken back into the pan and mix everything well.
6. Finish with Lime & Cilantro
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the burrito bowl.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
- Spoon into bowls and add your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Chicken Burrito Bowl
✔️ Use chicken thighs – They stay juicier than chicken breasts.
✔️ Toast the rice before adding liquid for extra flavor.
✔️ Add a little salsa to the rice for an extra kick.
✔️ Use broth instead of water for more depth of flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
| Ingredient | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Ground beef, shrimp, or tofu |
| White rice | Brown rice or quinoa |
| Black beans | Pinto beans or kidney beans |
| Bell pepper | Zucchini or mushrooms |
Health Benefits of This One-Pan Meal
✔️ High in Protein – Keeps you full longer.
✔️ Rich in Fiber – Beans and veggies aid digestion.
✔️ Good Fats – Olive oil and avocado add heart-healthy fats.
Best Toppings to Customize Your Burrito Bowl
🥑 Avocado – Adds creaminess and nutrients.
🧀 Cheese – Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija.
🌶 Hot Sauce – Adds a spicy kick.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in a skillet.
Nutritional Information Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 8g |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
2. Can I use cauliflower rice?
Yes, but reduce cooking time since cauliflower cooks faster.
3. How do I make it spicier?
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Use extra beans or tofu instead of chicken.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Now that you know how to make One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl (Delicious & Easy), it’s time to try it! This flavorful, nutritious, and hassle-free meal is perfect for busy nights.