Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans are the perfect meal for a wholesome, flavorful, and satisfying dish. These bowls are packed with grilled chicken, seasoned rice, hearty black beans, and fresh toppings, offering a complete and balanced meal that’s both filling and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal prep option for the week, this recipe is easy to customize with your favorite toppings and ingredients. With a touch of smoky, charred chicken, zesty rice, and creamy beans, these burrito bowls are sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans combine all the elements of a delicious burrito but in a healthy, deconstructed way. The grilled chicken adds protein and a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the seasoned rice and black beans. The best part is that this dish is versatile—you can load it up with all your favorite toppings, from fresh guacamole and salsa to shredded cheese and sour cream. Whether you’re following a healthy eating plan or just craving something tasty and hearty, these burrito bowls are easy to make and full of flavor. Plus, they’re great for meal prepping, as all the ingredients can be stored separately and assembled when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Brown rice or white rice
• Black beans (canned or cooked from scratch)
• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh cilantro
• Avocado
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion
• Fresh salsa (optional)
• Shredded cheese (optional)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)

Variations

Add Vegetables

You can add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn to your burrito bowls for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Grilled vegetables also pair wonderfully with the grilled chicken.

Swap the Protein

While grilled chicken is a classic choice, feel free to swap it with other proteins like grilled steak, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Make it Spicy

If you like some heat, add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the rice or chicken marinade.

Use Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice

For a different base, use quinoa for a protein-packed grain or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Both options add a unique twist to the burrito bowls.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this marinade all over the chicken breasts or thighs. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

While the chicken is marinating, cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and some chopped cilantro for freshness. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the marinated chicken on it and cook for 6-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or cubes.

Step 4: Warm the Beans

In a small saucepan, heat the black beans over medium heat. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a little cumin or chili powder if desired. Stir to warm through, and remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Burrito Bowls

In individual bowls, start by layering the rice as the base. Then, add the black beans, followed by the grilled chicken. Top with your favorite toppings, such as diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onions, fresh salsa, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Marinate the Chicken Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or even overnight. This will give the chicken more time to absorb the spices.
• Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you prefer, you can use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor. Just be sure to cook them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Grill the Vegetables: If you’re adding vegetables like bell peppers or onions, grill them alongside the chicken for a smoky flavor.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite burrito toppings such as jalapeños, olives, corn, or even a drizzle of your favorite dressing.
• Serve with Tortilla Chips: For a fun twist, serve your burrito bowls with tortilla chips on the side for some crunch.

How to Serve

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans are perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Serve them in individual bowls for a fun and customizable meal, allowing everyone to add their favorite toppings. You can also serve these bowls with a side of tortilla chips or a simple green salad for extra crunch and freshness. Pair with a refreshing drink like iced tea or a cold margarita for a full burrito bowl experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover grilled chicken, rice, and beans in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps each component fresh and ready to assemble when you’re ready to eat. Keep the toppings separate to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and beans in separate containers for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Cook fresh rice when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, place it in the microwave or on the stovetop. For rice and beans, you can also microwave them with a splash of water to help rehydrate them.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well as a substitute for white rice and adds extra fiber to the dish.

2. Can I use a different protein besides chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with steak, shrimp, ground turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! You can cook all the components (chicken, rice, beans) ahead of time and store them in separate containers for easy meal prep. Just assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.

4. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes, shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled feta can be added on top of the burrito bowls for extra flavor.

5. Can I make this recipe spicier?

For some heat, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a spicy salsa to your burrito bowl.

6. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before marinating and cooking it.

7. How can I make the rice more flavorful?

To add more flavor to the rice, try cooking it in chicken broth or adding lime juice and cilantro once it’s done cooking.

8. Can I use canned beans for this recipe?

Yes, canned black beans work perfectly for this dish. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before warming them up.

9. Can I serve this as a wrap instead of a bowl?

Yes, you can turn these burrito bowls into wraps by adding the chicken, rice, beans, and toppings into a large flour tortilla.

10. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store each component separately to keep everything fresh.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans are a delicious, healthy, and customizable meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The tender grilled chicken, flavorful rice, and hearty beans make this dish a filling and satisfying option for anyone looking for a tasty and balanced meal. With endless topping options and easy substitutions, you can make this dish your own. Whether you enjoy it as a burrito bowl, wrap, or salad, it’s a dish that will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Print