If you have been searching for a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s both flavorful and straightforward, you’re going to love this Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe. It combines juicy, marinated grilled chicken with a colorful mix of fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and melty cheddar cheese, all resting atop a bed of fluffy rice and hearty black beans. It’s a perfect dish for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, delivering big taste without complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this burrito bowl are refreshingly simple yet essential, each bringing something unique to the table — from the tender grilled chicken to the creamy avocado and the bright burst of cherry tomatoes. These ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also create a delightful texture and vibrant color that make the dish as pleasing to the eye as to the palate.
- Chicken Breast: Choose boneless, skinless for easy grilling and slicing.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin for a rich marinade base that enhances flavor.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed to add a zesty brightness.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering.
- Chili Powder: Brings gentle heat and smoky undertones.
- Cumin: Offers warm, earthy notes that highlight the spices.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice makes a fluffy, neutral base.
- Black Beans: Rinsed and drained for protein and creaminess.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved to provide juicy pops of freshness.
- Corn: Fresh or frozen adds natural sweetness and crunch.
- Avocado: Ripe and sliced for that luscious, buttery texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded for melty, savory richness.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped to finish with a bright herbal note.
How to Make Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing olive oil, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This marinade is the magic that infuses the chicken with layers of flavor, giving it a zesty, spicy, and aromatic kick that sets the stage for the whole dish.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or container and pour the marinade over them. Seal it up and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step lets the chicken soak up all those delicious flavors, making every bite juicy and tender.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
While the chicken marinates, cook the rice according to the package directions. Once done, fluff it with a fork to keep it light and airy, creating the perfect foundation for your burrito bowl.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill or grill pan nice and hot over medium-high heat. A good sear is important for locking in those mouthwatering juices and getting those lovely grill marks.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the marinade, discard the leftover marinade, and place the breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until the inside is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
Step 6: Rest and Slice the Chicken
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This resting period lets the juices redistribute so each slice stays moist and tender. Then, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces perfect for bowl assembly.
Step 7: Assemble Your Burrito Bowl
Layer your burrito bowl starting with the fluffy rice, topped with grilled chicken pieces, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, creamy avocado slices, and a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Each layer adds its own delicious texture and taste.
Step 8: Final Touches
Garnish the bowl with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately, with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of zest. This finishing touch brightens the flavors and ties every element together beautifully.
How to Serve Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges are the ideal garnishes, adding vibrant color and fresh herbal and citrus notes that elevate the dish. You might also scatter some extra cheddar cheese on top if you want that extra melty goodness.
Side Dishes
This burrito bowl pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp mixed green salad or crunchy tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole. These options add contrast in texture and flavor, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the bowl with warm tortillas on the side to create DIY burritos, or pack everything into mason jars layered with rice and toppings for a portable picnic or meal prep treat. Presentation can really boost the excitement of digging into this dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover burrito bowl components separately in airtight containers to keep textures fresh—rice, beans, and grilled chicken all last well refrigerated for up to 3 days, while avocado is best sliced fresh.
Freezing
The grilled chicken and black beans freeze well individually, making it easy to reheat and quickly assemble a fresh bowl later. Avoid freezing the avocado or cheese, as their texture changes when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to retain moisture. Add fresh avocado and other toppings just before serving for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and have a richer flavor, so they’ll work beautifully in this Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild kick thanks to the chili powder and cumin, but it’s easily adjustable. You can add more chili powder or some cayenne pepper if you prefer extra heat or tone it down for kids and sensitive palates.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rice and beans and check that the spices do not contain any additives with gluten. It’s a great meal option for those with dietary restrictions.
What can I substitute for black beans?
If black beans aren’t available or you want variation, pinto beans or kidney beans are perfect substitutes. They provide similar texture and nutrition, keeping the bowl hearty and satisfying.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap out the chicken for grilled tofu or roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian-friendly version. Add extra beans or a scoop of guacamole to keep the protein and creamy texture in your Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe experience.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is a personal favorite because it’s approachable yet packed full of fresh flavors and comforting components. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to meal.
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
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl combines juicy grilled chicken breast marinated in zesty lime and spices with fluffy white rice, black beans, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado. Perfect for a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together quickly, this burrito bowl offers vibrant colors and a delightful mix of textures and flavors ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 pieces Chicken Breast (Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, approximately 1 pound total)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin olive oil)
- 1 lime (Juiced, freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Cumin
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Base and Toppings
- 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
- Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended to create the marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook Rice: While the chicken marinates, cook the long-grain white rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside to keep warm.
- Preheat Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Grill Chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding the leftover marinade. Place the chicken onto the heated grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Then slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces suitable for bowls.
- Assemble Burrito Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top each with sliced grilled chicken, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, diced avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top of each bowl. Serve immediately with lime wedges for an extra burst of fresh citrus flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) will deepen the flavor.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best brightness and flavor.
- Substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier or low-carb option.
- Grill corn on the cob separately for enhanced smoky flavor if preferred.
- Add sour cream or salsa as additional toppings to customize your bowl.
