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Easy Flavor-Packed Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

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A quick and easy recipe for flavorful chicken burrito bowls perfect for meal prep, featuring a smoky spice blend, fresh veggies, and a zesty lime finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier results)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice (or brown rice)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, sliced just before serving
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Pickled jalapeños (optional)
  • Hot sauce or salsa (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
  2. Rub the spice mix all over the chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 6–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  3. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 3 cups water and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes for white rice or 40 minutes for brown rice. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, black beans, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Stir gently and season with salt to taste.
  5. Prepare toppings: halve cherry tomatoes, thaw corn if frozen, and slice avocado just before serving.
  6. Divide rice and bean mixture into meal prep containers. Top with sliced chicken, corn, tomatoes, and cheese if using. Add sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side if desired.
  7. Seal containers and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving and add avocado fresh to keep vibrant.

Notes

Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Toast spices lightly before mixing to enhance flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Use a rice cooker to save time if available.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowls, meal prep, healthy lunch, easy dinner, Mexican recipe, chicken recipe, burrito bowl, quick meal