Chicken Burrito Bowl
A vibrant and satisfying meal in a bowl! Perfectly seasoned chicken, fluffy brown rice, black beans, and corn are topped with fresh salsa, creamy avocado, cheese, and sour cream for a delicious and complete dinner.
For 4 servings
Cook the beans and rice.
- Drain the soaked black beans. Add them to a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes.
- In a separate pot, combine the rinsed brown rice with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until water is absorbed.
TIPCooking the beans and rice at the same time is efficient. If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can boil the beans on the stovetop for 1-1.5 hours.Season the chicken.
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes, olive oil, chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly.
Cook the chicken.
Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
TIPDon't overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure it sears nicely instead of steaming.Prepare the fresh salsa.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the salsa. In a small bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, cilantro, and the juice of 2 limes. Season with the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt. Mix well and set aside.
TIPFor the best flavor, let the salsa sit for at least 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.Assemble the burrito bowls.
- Divide the cooked brown rice evenly among four bowls.
- Top the rice with the cooked black beans, cooked chicken, and corn.
- Add a generous spoonful of the fresh salsa to each bowl.
- Arrange sliced avocado on the side.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and add a dollop of sour cream.
Serve immediately.
Serve the burrito bowls warm with a side of whole-grain tortilla chips for scooping and added crunch.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor, add a bay leaf to the black beans while they cook.
- 2You can use quinoa or cauliflower rice as a base instead of brown rice.
- 3To save time, use canned black beans (rinsed and drained) and a store-bought salsa.
- 4These bowls are great for meal prep. Store the components separately in the fridge and assemble just before eating.
- 5Squeeze a little lime juice over the avocado slices to prevent them from browning.
- 6Feel free to add other toppings like pickled jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or a squeeze of hot sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the chicken with seasoned firm tofu or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegan cheese and a dairy-free sour cream.
low carbLow carb
Substitute the brown rice with cauliflower rice and omit the black beans and corn to significantly reduce the carbohydrate content.
quickQuick
Use pre-cooked rice pouches and canned (rinsed) black beans to have this meal ready in under 20 minutes.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the amount of chicken per serving and add a scoop of plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for an extra protein boost.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Fiber
The combination of brown rice and black beans provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and providing sustained energy.
Source of Healthy Fats
Avocado contributes monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Packed with Nutrients
This bowl is a colorful mix of ingredients that provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be a very healthy and balanced meal. It provides lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates and fiber from brown rice and beans, and healthy fats from avocado. Portion control of cheese and sour cream is key to keeping it balanced.
