Chicken Burrito Quinoa Bowl
This Chicken Burrito Quinoa Bowl offers a hearty and satisfying meal packed with lean protein, fiber-rich grains, and fresh vegetables. It's designed for a quick preparation, making it an ideal choice for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a robust post-workout refuel.
For 2 servings
Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Combine quinoa and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
While quinoa cooks, pat chicken breasts dry. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then shred using two forks.
In the same skillet (or a small saucepan), add the rinsed black beans and corn kernels. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If desired, add a pinch of salt and cumin to the beans.
Prepare your toppings: dice the avocado, chop the fresh cilantro, and cut the lime into wedges.
To assemble the bowls, divide the warm, fluffed quinoa between two serving bowls, forming the base.
Evenly distribute the shredded chicken, warm black beans, and corn over the quinoa in each bowl.
Top each bowl generously with salsa, diced avocado, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Meal Prep Friendly: Cook the quinoa and chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the bowls just before eating for a quick grab-and-go meal.
- 2Customizable Spice: Adjust the amount of chili powder and paprika in the chicken seasoning to your preferred spice level. A pinch of cayenne pepper can be added for extra heat.
- 3Perfect Shredding: For perfectly shredded chicken, try using a hand mixer on low speed after the chicken has rested. It shreds cooked chicken breast in seconds!
- 4Creamy Avocado: Instead of diced avocado, mash it with a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt for a quick guacamole-like topping.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Replace chicken with extra black beans, seasoned tofu, tempeh, or roasted sweet potatoes. Omit Greek yogurt for a fully vegan option, or use a plant-based sour cream alternative.
Grain SwapGrain Swap
Substitute quinoa with brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
Flavor BoostersFlavor Boosters
Add pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick, a sprinkle of cotija cheese for saltiness, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
With chicken, quinoa, and black beans, this bowl provides a substantial amount of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and satiety.
Rich in Fiber
Quinoa, black beans, and corn are excellent sources of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health, regulating blood sugar, and contributing to a feeling of fullness.
Nutrient-Dense
Packed with vitamins and minerals from the diverse ingredients, including healthy fats from avocado, Vitamin C from lime, and various micronutrients from the vegetables and grains.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breast will significantly reduce the prep and cook time. Simply shred and warm it before adding to the bowl.
