One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
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If you’re craving a vibrant, full-flavored meal that comes together effortlessly, the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is here to brighten your dinner lineup. This dish perfectly balances tender, seasoned chicken with fluffy rice, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and colorful veggies—all cooked in a single pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a satisfying, vibrant meal that feels like a fiesta on your plate every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each one adding its own unique touch to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 lb / 450g): Provides the juicy, protein-packed base for the dish; thighs add extra tenderness and flavor.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup): The fluffy, absorbent grain that soaks up all those amazing spices and juices.
- Black beans (1 can, rinsed and drained): Adds heartiness and a pleasant creaminess while boosting fiber and protein.
- Corn (1 cup, canned or frozen): Brings a touch of natural sweetness and pop of color.
- Medium onion (diced): Offers a mild sharpness and depth of flavor that balances the spices.
- Bell pepper (diced, red or green): Delivers vibrant color and sweet crunch to the mix.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps crisp and brown the chicken, plus keeps everything moist.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy warmth and signature southwestern flair.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Furnishes a subtle smoky spice that gently lingers.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a rich savory note without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors forward.
- Juice of 1 lime: Brightens the dish with that classic fresh zing.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish): Adds a fragrant herbal finish perfect for any burrito bowl.
- Optional toppings (avocado, cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños): Customize to your taste and ramp up creaminess, heat, or richness.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then toss them with salt, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder to set the flavor foundation. Chop the onion and bell pepper finely to ensure they cook evenly, and give the black beans a quick rinse and drain so they blend effortlessly into the dish later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get that nice sizzle going. Add seasoned chicken and sauté until the pieces are cooked through and golden brown on the outside, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in juices and builds a flavorful crust you’ll love.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Rice
Once your chicken looks deliciously golden, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies soften and start to release their natural sweetness. Then stir in the rice, black beans, and corn, mixing everything well so the flavors begin to mingle.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Pour 1.5 cups of water or chicken broth into the pan and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the skillet tightly. Let everything simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, giving the rice time to absorb all the goodness and cook up fluffy and tender.
Step 5: Final Touches
When your One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is done cooking, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and squeeze fresh lime juice over the entire dish for a zesty finish. Top with chopped cilantro and any optional extras like creamy avocado, melty cheese, cooling sour cream, or spicy jalapeños to make this meal truly your own.
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes brighten up the dish and bring an extra layer of flavor and texture. Cilantro adds herbaceous freshness, avocado lends creaminess, and a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream introduces richness. Don’t forget a few jalapeño slices if you want that satisfying kick.
Side Dishes
While the bowl is often a complete meal on its own, some light sides complement it wonderfully. Try serving with a crisp salad, warm tortilla chips with salsa, or even a simple guacamole to round out the Southwest vibe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl in a colorful ceramic bowl or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist. Layering ingredients in a clear glass jar works great for meal prep or a grab-and-go lunch that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it an ideal option for quick lunches or easy dinners during busy weekdays.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for longer, freeze the dish in portions using freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing much of its flavor or texture. Just be sure to cool it down completely before freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice from drying out and freshen up those layers of flavor with a squeeze of lime juice once warmed.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works great though it will require a slightly longer cooking time and more liquid. Simply adjust your simmering time accordingly and enjoy a nuttier, heartier version of the dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is mildly spiced with chili powder and cumin but not overwhelmingly hot. You can easily customize the heat by adding more chili powder or fresh jalapeños if you’d like that extra kick.
What if I’m vegetarian — can I make this without chicken?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for extra beans or firm tofu cubes, and maybe add additional veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to keep it hearty and satisfying.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Frozen corn and bell peppers work well in this recipe and are convenient to keep on hand. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly to soften them properly without overcooking.
What sides go best with the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl?
Simple sides like tortilla chips, fresh salsa, or a light green salad complement the flavors perfectly without overwhelming the meal. These add textural contrast and keep things fresh.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl enough—it’s a fantastic combination of bold flavors, ease, and colorful ingredients all in one pan. Whether you’re feeding family or just treating yourself to a vibrant meal, this dish will quickly become a cherished favorite. Give it a go and watch your taste buds do a happy dance!
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Print
One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make one pan chicken burrito bowl featuring tender seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables all cooked together for a wholesome, satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick dinner packed with Tex-Mex flavors and customizable toppings.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
Seasonings & Others
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Toppings
- Avocado slices
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Chop the onion and bell pepper into small pieces. Rinse and drain the black beans and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté until cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Rice: Once the chicken is cooked, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become tender. Stir in the rice, black beans, and corn, mixing everything well.
- Simmer: Pour 1.5 cups of water or chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Final Touches: After cooking, fluff the rice with a fork. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the entire dish and garnish with chopped cilantro. Add optional toppings such as avocado, cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños as desired before serving.
Notes
- Using chicken broth instead of water adds extra flavor to the rice.
- Brown rice can be substituted but will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.
- Adjust seasoning according to your spice preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
- Try adding fresh tomatoes or green onions as additional toppings for extra freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, one pan meal, Tex-Mex, easy dinner, quick recipe, chicken and rice, burrito bowl
