If you are searching for a comforting, vibrant, and straightforward meal, look no further than this Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe. This dish brings together juicy, perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, fluffy rice, and a colorful medley of fresh toppings that burst with flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent without any fuss, ideal for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings. Trust me, once you make this bowl, you’ll want to keep it in your recipe rotation for its simplicity, taste, and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe plays a vital role in creating layers of deliciousness, texture, and vibrant color. From the smoky grilled chicken to the fresh avocado and zesty lime juice, these essentials come together effortlessly to make a meal you’ll crave again and again.
- Chicken Breast (2 pieces): Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and lean protein.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps the marinade coat the chicken.
- Lime Juice (1 lime): Freshly squeezed for a bright citrus punch that lifts the flavors.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Provides savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
- Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of smoky heat to the chicken.
- Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): A warm, earthy spice that complements the chili powder beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the ingredients together.
- Rice (1 cup): Long-grain white rice offers a fluffy, neutral base for the bowl.
- Black Beans (1 can): Rinsed and drained, adding protein, fiber, and a creamy texture.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup): Halved to add pop and sweetness to each bite.
- Corn (1 cup): Fresh or frozen, it brings a mellow sweetness and vibrant color.
- Avocado (1 piece): Creamy and ripe, perfect for balancing the spices with its buttery texture.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Shredded, providing sharpness that melts slightly on warm ingredients.
- Fresh Cilantro (a handful): Chopped for a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the entire bowl.
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, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade is the secret behind the bold and balanced flavor in our chicken, infusing it with zesty and smoky notes that make every bite irresistible.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the chicken to soak up all the vibrant flavors, making it juicy and tender once grilled.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
While the chicken marinates, cook your long-grain white rice according to the package instructions. Once done, fluff it with a fork to keep it light and airy, ready to soak up all the delicious juices from the bowl’s toppings.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. A hot surface is key to getting those lovely grill marks and sealing in the chicken’s juices for that perfect texture.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade, and grill for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful char marks. The smoky char from the grill is what elevates this dish from simple to spectacular.
Step 6: Rest and Slice the Chicken
Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes once off the heat. This step helps the juices redistribute so that when you slice it into bite-sized pieces, it remains juicy and tender.
Step 7: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls
Start with a generous base of fluffy rice, then layer on sliced grilled chicken, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, fresh avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese. Each component adds a different texture and flavor, creating a dynamic and satisfying bowl.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling fresh cilantro over the top and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. The cilantro adds a fresh brightness, while the lime wedges encourage everyone to add a little zing as they like.
How to Serve Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a must-have for garnish, lending a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the chicken and cheese. Lime wedges are also perfect for an extra splash of acidity that makes the flavors pop even more.
Side Dishes
This bowl pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips or a light green salad for added freshness. You could also serve it alongside a smoky grilled corn on the cob to complement the grilled chicken’s smoky flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your burrito bowl in individual mason jars for a fun, portable meal option. For a party, set up a burrito bowl bar with all the toppings laid out so everyone can build their own customized bowl—it’s interactive and super festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover components like grilled chicken, rice, beans, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps textures fresh and allows you to easily reassemble the bowls later without sogginess.
Freezing
The grilled chicken and rice freeze well if you want to meal prep in advance. Portion them out into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use. Avoid freezing avocado and fresh tomatoes, as their texture won’t hold up after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. Add fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro after reheating to keep those flavors crisp and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Just adjust your cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked thoroughly without drying out.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 30 minutes?
While marinating for 30 minutes is ideal for maximum flavor, even 15 minutes will help infuse the chicken with some tasty seasoning. If you’re really pressed for time, even a quick coat of the marinade before grilling is better than skipping it entirely.
What can I use as a substitute for black beans?
Feel free to swap black beans with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas. Just make sure to rinse and drain canned beans well to avoid excess sodium.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the grilled chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted veggies for a satisfying vegetarian version, while still keeping the bowl packed with flavor.
How spicy is this Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe?
The spice level is mild to moderate due to the chili powder, but it’s very adaptable. Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños for extra heat, or tone it down to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is truly a gem in my kitchen arsenal. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with colorful fresh ingredients, and hits all the right flavor notes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this bowl is built to satisfy and impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your household!
Print
Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Simple Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl featuring juicy marinated grilled chicken, fluffy rice, black beans, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado, all topped with shredded cheddar and fresh cilantro for a delicious and healthy meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 pieces Chicken Breast (Boneless, skinless, approximately 1 pound total)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin)
- 1 lime Lime Juice (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, about 15 oz)
- 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 the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over the chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Cook the Rice: While the chicken marinates, cook the long-grain white rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside to keep warm.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked through and juices run clear.
- Rest and Slice the Chicken: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces to retain juiciness.
- Assemble the Burrito Bowls: Start with a base of cooked rice in each bowl. Top with grilled chicken slices, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, diced avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the bowls and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra zest.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier or low-carb option.
- Adjust the chili powder and cumin according to your preferred spice level.
- Fresh corn can be grilled alongside the chicken for added flavor.
- For a vegan version, omit the chicken and cheddar cheese and add grilled tofu or sautéed vegetables.
- Leftover burrito bowls can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
