If you’re craving a vibrant and satisfying meal that bursts with layers of flavor, this Burrito Bowl Recipe with Chicken, Black Beans, Corn, and Cheddar Recipe is an absolute winner. It balances hearty shredded chicken, creamy cheddar, tender black beans, and sweet corn over a bed of fluffy rice, all seasoned with a blend of smoky spices that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a busy weeknight family dinner or impressing friends with a colorful, nourishing bowl, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Burrito Bowl Recipe with Chicken, Black Beans, Corn, and Cheddar Recipe comes alive with simple, fresh, and wholesome ingredients. Each one plays its part: aromatic spices add warmth, vegetables bring vibrant color and crunch, and the chicken and cheese provide comforting richness.
- 1 cup rice: The perfect fluffy base to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing vegetables and adding a subtle, fruity richness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed: A hearty, protein-packed staple offering creamy texture.
- 1 cup corn kernels: Sweet bursts that contrast beautifully with spicy seasoning.
- 1 medium tomato, diced: Brightens the bowl with fresh acidity and juiciness.
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded: Tender meat adding satisfying substance.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Infuses a smoky, mild heat.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Earthy spice that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spiciness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped: Fresh herbaceous brightness to finish the bowl.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, bringing creamy indulgence.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Cool and tangy for balancing spice.
- 1/4 cup guacamole: Creamy avocado goodness adds richness and freshness.
- 1/4 cup salsa: A zesty, flavorful condiment to elevate every bite.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds bright citrus zing that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional): For those who love some extra kick.
How to Make Burrito Bowl Recipe with Chicken, Black Beans, Corn, and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup of rice, stir briefly, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Once done, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing gently with a fork. This base will soak up all the wonderful flavors later.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
While your rice is cooking, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. This duo lays the aromatic foundation for the savory filling.
Step 3: Cook the Veggies and Beans
Add the black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomato to your skillet. Stir and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture is heated through and the tomato starts to break down slightly, releasing its juiciness. This combination adds fantastic texture and a happy pop of color to your burrito bowl.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Now comes the exciting flavor part. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly so every bean and kernel is coated in those warm, smoky spices. Let this cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes for the spices to meld perfectly with the vegetables.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, allowing the heat to permeate and bring everything together. The chicken absorbs the spices and adds a heartiness that makes this bowl deeply satisfying and protein-packed.
Step 6: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls
Spoon the fluffy rice into individual bowls, then pile on the vibrant veggie and chicken mixture. Sprinkle chopped cilantro generously on top for freshness, and follow with shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt slightly from the heat beneath. Add dollops of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa to intensify the flavor layers. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice for brightness and drizzle hot sauce if you want a spicy edge. Serve immediately and watch your friends or family fall in love with every colorful bite!
How to Serve Burrito Bowl Recipe with Chicken, Black Beans, Corn, and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take this Burrito Bowl Recipe with Chicken, Black Beans, Corn, and Cheddar Recipe from great to unforgettable. Think crisp shredded lettuce or cabbage for crunch, a sprinkle of diced red onion for sharpness, or sliced avocado for extra creaminess. A wedge of lime on the side invites everyone to add a splash of citrus as desired.
Side Dishes
Pair your burrito bowl with light and complementary sides such as warm tortilla chips and extra salsa for scooping or a simple mixed greens salad tossed gently with lime vinaigrette. Black bean soup or a corn salad also makes a colorful and nutritious accompaniment that rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the fun! Serve the components deconstructed so everyone can customize their bowl, or layer ingredients in clear glasses for a stunning visual effect at parties. Using vibrant bowls with bold patterns or rustic wooden bowls can also enhance the warm, inviting vibe this recipe embodies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rice, chicken mixture, and toppings separate if possible to maintain freshness and texture. This makes reheating and assembling your next meal quick and convenient.
Freezing
The chicken, beans, and corn mixture freezes well for up to 2 months when stored in a freezer-safe container. Freeze it without the rice and fresh toppings for best results. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for easy reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and vegetable mixture gently in a skillet or microwave until steaming hot. Warm the rice separately to avoid drying it out. Add fresh toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro after reheating to keep the vibrant flavors and textures intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white rice works beautifully here, you can substitute brown rice or even quinoa for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this burrito bowl recipe spicy?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the chili powder and red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust by adding more hot sauce or reducing the red pepper flakes if you prefer milder flavors.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add extra black beans or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. For added protein, try adding tofu or tempeh seasoned similarly.
What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken?
Using two forks to pull cooked chicken apart works well, or you can use your hands once the chicken is cool enough to handle. Shredding ensures the chicken blends perfectly with the other bowl ingredients.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Definitely! Cook the rice and chicken mixture in advance and store separately in the fridge. Assemble fresh when ready to enjoy, adding toppings just before serving to keep everything bright and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Burrito Bowl Recipe with Chicken, Black Beans, Corn, and Cheddar Recipe is truly a shining example of easy, comforting, and vibrant home cooking. Its wonderful balance of textures and zesty flavors makes meal time something to look forward to. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s such a fan favorite in my kitchen and, soon, I hope, in yours too!
Print
Burrito Bowl Recipe with Chicken, Black Beans, Corn, and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
This hearty and flavorful Burrito Bowl recipe is a perfect one-bowl meal that combines fluffy rice, sautéed vegetables, seasoned black beans, tender shredded chicken, and classic Mexican toppings like cheddar cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that brings all the vibrant flavors of a burrito bowl without the tortilla, ideal for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Grains & Beans
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
Protein
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Condiments & Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup guacamole
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Water: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil to prepare for cooking the rice.
- Add Rice and Cover: Add 1 cup of rice to the boiling water, stir briefly, then cover the saucepan with a lid.
- Simmer Rice: Reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Fluff Rice: Remove the pot from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Heat Oil and Sauté Onion: While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomato.
- Cook Vegetable Mixture: Cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Season the Mixture: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well.
- Meld Flavors: Cook the seasoned mixture for another 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Add Chicken: Stir in shredded cooked chicken breast and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Assemble Burrito Bowls: Spoon cooked rice into individual bowls.
- Add Chicken and Veggies: Top rice with the seasoned vegetable and chicken mixture.
- Garnish with Cilantro and Cheese: Sprinkle chopped cilantro and shredded cheddar cheese over the bowls, allowing cheese to melt slightly from the heat.
- Add Sauces: Dollop sour cream, then spoon guacamole and salsa into the bowls.
- Finish with Lime and Hot Sauce: Drizzle lime juice and optional hot sauce over the top for extra brightness and heat.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious burrito bowls.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with tofu or beef for variation.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option but increase cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust spices and hot sauce to taste depending on your heat preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated but best consumed within 2 days.
- For a vegan version, omit cheese and sour cream and use plant-based alternatives.
