Quick Chicken & Black Bean Burrito Bowl
A vibrant, deconstructed burrito bowl featuring seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, fresh veggies, and a zesty lime-yogurt dressing, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
For 2 servings
Cook rice according to package directions. For quicker preparation, use instant rice or pre-cooked rice pouches.
Pat chicken breast dry. Slice horizontally to create two thinner cutlets or dice into 1-inch pieces. In a small bowl, combine ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side (if cutlets) or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then dice or shred.
While the chicken cooks, rinse and thoroughly drain the black beans and corn. Shred the romaine lettuce. Dice the avocado. Chop fresh cilantro, if using.
In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt and fresh lime juice to create a simple, tangy dressing. Season with a pinch of salt if desired.
To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice evenly among two serving bowls. Top with a generous bed of shredded romaine lettuce.
Arrange the diced chicken, black beans, corn, and diced avocado neatly over the lettuce and rice.
Drizzle generously with the lime-yogurt dressing. Add a dollop of salsa and sprinkle with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately.
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 chicken and rice ahead of time, then store separately. Assemble bowls just before serving for the freshest taste and to prevent ingredients from getting soggy.
- 2Spice It Up: For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or include diced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce over the finished bowl.
- 3Perfect Avocado: Choose an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure. If it's too hard, it's not ripe enough; if it's mushy, it's overripe.
- 4Flavor Boost: Toast the cumin and chili powder lightly in a dry pan for 30 seconds until fragrant before adding to the chicken for a deeper, more aromatic flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken with seasoned baked tofu, tempeh, or increase the amount of black beans. Add roasted sweet potato cubes for extra substance and sweetness.
Grain FreeGrain-Free
Omit the rice and use cauliflower rice as the base, or simply increase the amount of lettuce and other vegetables for a lighter, low-carb option.
Spicy MangoSpicy Mango
Add diced fresh mango for a sweet and spicy contrast. Instead of the lime-yogurt dressing, make a dressing with Greek yogurt, lime juice, and a dash of sriracha or chipotle powder.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Chicken breast provides lean protein essential for muscle repair, growth, and satiety, helping you feel full and energized longer.
Rich in Fiber
Black beans, corn, and avocado are excellent sources of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health, promoting regularity, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Vitamin & Mineral Boost
Packed with vitamins from fresh vegetables like romaine lettuce and avocado, offering antioxidants, potassium, and essential nutrients vital for overall well-being.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can significantly cut down on prep time. Just shred or dice and add to the bowl.
