If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and downright satisfying, the Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is here to rescue your meal times. This dish combines tender, zesty grilled chicken with vibrant, colorful ingredients like ripe avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy cheddar cheese, all nestled on a bed of fluffy rice and black beans. It’s a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious, bringing a little taste of fiesta right to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right starts with fresh, simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of taste and texture. Each component plays an essential role—from the juicy chicken marinated with zesty spices to the fresh veggies and hearty beans that round out every bite.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless, perfect for quick, even grilling and absorbing the marinade’s flavors.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps the spices cling to the chicken.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed, it brightens up the chicken with a touch of acidity.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a deep, savory undertone without overpowering the dish.
- Chili Powder: Adds a gentle smoky heat that makes the chicken irresistibly flavorful.
- Cumin: Offers a warm earthiness that complements the Southwestern vibe of the bowl.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice is fluffy and neutral, acting as a great base for all the toppings.
- Black Beans: Rinsed and drained, they bring heartiness and protein to the bowl.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved and juicy, they brighten up the dish with natural sweetness and color.
- Corn: Fresh or frozen, adds a pop of sweetness and crunch.
- Avocado: Ripe and creamy, a luscious delight for the palate.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded to melt slightly and weave a savory richness throughout.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped for a fresh, herbal finish that ties everything together.
How to Make Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by mixing olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a flavorful, aromatic marinade that will soak deep into the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — this step is key to getting that tender, juicy texture and bold taste.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
While your chicken marinates, cook the rice according to the package instructions until fluffy. Once done, fluff it gently with a fork and set it aside as the base of your burrito bowl.
Step 4: Heat the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat so it’s ready just as your chicken finishes marinating. A hot grill will give the chicken those gorgeous char marks and seal in the juices.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover liquid. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through with no pink inside. The aroma here is simply irresistible.
Step 6: Rest and Slice Chicken
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute. Then slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces — perfect for layering in your burrito bowl.
Step 7: Assemble the Burrito Bowl
Start with a generous scoop of rice as your base, then top with slices of grilled chicken, black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese. This vibrant medley delivers a feast of flavors and textures in every mouthful.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish your bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing. Enjoy immediately while everything is fresh, warm, and bursting with deliciousness.
How to Serve Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes really elevate this dish. A handful of chopped cilantro adds herbal brightness, while lime wedges allow everyone to add a personal squeeze of citrusy punch. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream for some extra flair and creaminess.
Side Dishes
This burrito bowl shines as a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with sides like crunchy tortilla chips and fresh salsa or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette boosts the meal’s enjoyment and adds contrasts in texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the bowl in individual mason jars for a fun, portable lunch option or layer the ingredients in clear glass bowls to showcase all the vibrant colors. You could also wrap the ingredients in a warm tortilla for a burrito twist — versatility makes this recipe a winner every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover ingredients separately if possible, especially the avocado and cheese, to maintain freshness. The chicken and rice can be packed together in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing fresh toppings like avocado and tomatoes as they don’t thaw well and lose texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best flavor and texture—this keeps every bite tasting vibrant and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and often more forgiving when grilled. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
No worries! You can cook the chicken on a regular skillet or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until fully cooked, usually about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add extra black beans, grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini, or even some grilled tofu for a satisfying vegetarian bowl.
How spicy is the Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe?
It’s mildly spiced with chili powder and cumin, giving it warmth without too much heat. You can adjust the chili powder amount or add fresh jalapeños if you want to amp up the spice.
Can I prep this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Definitely! Marinate and grill the chicken in advance, cook the rice, and prep the veggies. Assemble bowls fresh or pack ingredients separately for easy meal assembly throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly wonderful about a dish that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor, and this Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe fits the bill perfectly. With its blend of fresh, wholesome ingredients and a zesty grilled chicken centerpiece, it’s a meal that invites you to savor every bite. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own favorite go-to whenever you’re in the mood for something hearty, healthy, and downright delicious!
Print
Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl is a vibrant, flavorful meal perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. Featuring marinated grilled chicken breast atop a bed of fluffy rice, black beans, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado, it balances protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients for a wholesome, satisfying dish bursting with Southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 pieces Chicken Breast (Boneless, skinless, approximately 1 pound total)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin)
- 1 lime (Freshly squeezed juice)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Cumin
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Bowl Ingredients
- 1 cup Rice (Long-grain white rice, cooked)
- 1 can Black Beans (Rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Halved)
- 1 cup Corn (Fresh or frozen)
- 1 piece Avocado (Ripe, sliced or diced)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)
- 1 handful Fresh Cilantro (Chopped)
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or suitable dish, pour the marinade over them, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the long-grain white rice according to package instructions, then fluff it with a fork and set aside, providing a warm, fluffy base for the bowl.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high to ensure proper cooking and a nice char on the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, discard the marinade, and grill the chicken breasts for 6 to 7 minutes per side until they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then slice into bite-sized pieces perfect for assembling the bowl.
- Assemble the Burrito Bowls: Start with a base of cooked rice in each bowl, then top with grilled chicken, black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado slices, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish each bowl by garnishing with chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute brown rice for a whole-grain option for added fiber.
- Use frozen corn if fresh corn is out of season; just thaw before assembling.
- You can add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of salsa for extra flavor.
- Leftover grilled chicken works well for meal prep and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- If you don’t have a grill pan, a stovetop skillet works fine to cook the chicken.
