30 Minute One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Are you craving a delicious, filling, and healthy meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this 30-Minute One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe! Packed with vibrant flavors, tender chicken, zesty seasonings, and healthy ingredients, this recipe brings all the excitement of a burrito in a bowl, and it can be ready in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s made all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Introduction

If you’re a fan of burritos, but you’re looking for something lighter and easier to eat, Chicken Burrito Bowls are the perfect alternative. The best part is, this recipe is designed to be made in just one pan, which makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

The combination of seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant vegetables, and your choice of toppings comes together to create a satisfying, balanced meal that is both flavorful and customizable. You can pile on the toppings, like guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese, or keep it light and healthy with just fresh cilantro and lime.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into the process of making your 30-Minute One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowls. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken. Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally (if they are thick) so that each piece is thinner and cooks more quickly. This also makes the chicken easier to shred later.

In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly onto both sides of the chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. After it has rested, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized.

Add the corn and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Then, add the black beans and cook for another 2 minutes to warm everything through. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Next, stir in the rice to the skillet, mixing it with the sautéed vegetables. Toast the rice in the pan for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step enhances the flavor of the rice and adds a nice texture.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the rice cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. If you’re using brown rice, it may take an additional 5-10 minutes to cook.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, add the shredded chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together to combine. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.

Step 6: Add the Toppings

Remove the skillet from the heat and let everything rest for a few minutes. While it’s resting, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top (if using) and let it melt into the warm rice and chicken mixture.

To serve, spoon the burrito bowl mixture into individual bowls. Top with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and any additional toppings you like, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Tips for Success

• Shred the Chicken: Shredding the chicken after it’s cooked ensures that it soaks up the flavors from the rice and other ingredients, making every bite flavorful.
• Use Fresh Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens up the entire dish and adds a refreshing touch.
• Customizable Spice Levels: If you prefer more heat, feel free to add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce to the dish.
• Make it Lighter: For a lighter option, you can substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice to cut down on calories and carbs.
• Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Simply store the components in separate containers and reheat when ready to serve. It holds up well for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Variations and Customizations

30-Minute One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowls are highly customizable, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to adapt the recipe to your personal taste or dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use additional beans or sautéed mushrooms as a protein substitute. You can also add more veggies like zucchini, spinach, or sweet potatoes for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you want to make it even more so, ensure that your toppings (such as salsa or sour cream) are gluten-free.
• Add More Heat: If you like it spicy, top your bowl with sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa. You can also cook the rice with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle chili powder.
• Use Ground Meat: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or beef. Just brown the meat in the skillet before adding the spices and vegetables.
• Make it Low-Carb: For a lower-carb version, substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice. It’s a great way to cut down on carbs without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While Chicken Burrito Bowls are a hearty meal on their own, they pair wonderfully with a few side dishes to complete the meal:

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob coated in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime is a perfect side to serve alongside burrito bowls.
• Guacamole and Chips: A bowl of creamy guacamole and crispy tortilla chips makes a great appetizer or snack before your main meal.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with fresh greens, avocado, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the burrito bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store the components in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the burrito bowl mixture for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with additional beans, grilled vegetables, or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Conclusion

In just 30 minutes, you can make a mouthwatering, one-pan meal that everyone will love. 30-Minute One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowls are not only quick and easy to prepare, but they are also packed with flavor and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a filling dinner, a meal prep option, or a dish to serve to friends and family, this recipe is sure to impress.

Yield: 4

30 Minute One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Print

Are you craving a delicious, filling, and healthy meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this 30-Minute One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe! Packed with vibrant flavors, tender chicken, zesty seasonings, and healthy ingredients, this recipe brings all the excitement of a burrito in a bowl, and it can be ready in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s made all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Rice:
   In the same pan, add the rice and stir to combine with any leftover seasonings and bits from the chicken.
   Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring it to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes (or according to the package instructions for your type of rice) until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
   
3. Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes:
   Once the rice is cooked, add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until everything is heated through.
   
4. Combine with Chicken:
   Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir it into the rice mixture. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes to warm through and combine the flavors.
   
5. Finish and Serve:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken and rice mixture, cover, and let it melt for 1-2 minutes.
   Serve the burrito bowl with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Customize Your Toppings: You can add other toppings such as guacamole, salsa, or avocado slices for extra flavor.

Use Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken or rice, this dish makes great use of those for a quick meal.

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can skip the chicken and add extra beans, veggies, or even grilled tofu.

Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat!