One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

If you’re craving something full of flavor but easy to whip up on a busy night, I’ve got the perfect dish for you. This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is a game-changer—super quick, incredibly tasty, and the best part? You cook everything in just one pan, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. I absolutely love how this dish comes together with fresh veggies, zesty spices, and tender chicken that your whole family will go crazy for. Stick around, because I’m about to share all my tips and secrets to make this recipe foolproof!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to build such a delicious and colorful meal. I always recommend using fresh vegetables and good-quality chicken—doing so really elevates the bowl. Plus, having ingredients like black beans and corn on hand is a pantry lifesaver when you want dinner in a snap!

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work great if you want leaner meat.
• Long-grain white or brown rice: White cooks faster and absorbs flavors nicely; use brown for a nuttier taste and extra fiber.
• Black beans: Rinsed and drained canned beans keep things easy and add a hearty texture.
• Corn: Frozen or canned both work—just drain canned corn before adding.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; I like yellow or sweet onions.
• Bell pepper: Red adds color and sweetness, green adds a little bite—choose whichever you prefer.
• Olive oil: For sautéing; extra virgin adds flavor but regular works fine.
• Ground cumin: Essential for that smoky, earthy base flavor.
• Chili powder: Brings warmth and a touch of heat without overpowering.
• Garlic powder: For a hint of savory depth.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, but don’t skip—it balances the flavors perfectly.
• Fresh lime juice: I always add this at the end for a zesty brightness.
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped as a garnish to bring fresh herbal notes.
• Optional toppings: Avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños for extra creaminess and spice.

Variations

I love making this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe my own by switching up proteins and veggies depending on what’s in season or in my fridge. Feel free to get creative—you’ll find it’s a really forgiving recipe that’s perfect for customizing.

• Protein Swap: I’ve tried this with shrimp or tofu, and it’s just as delightful—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Spice Level: When my family wants more heat, I toss in extra chili powder or fresh diced jalapeños right at the end.
• Grain Options: Quinoa or cauliflower rice make great low-carb or gluten-free alternatives.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Throw in some diced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even diced sweet potatoes for extra color and nutrition.

How to Make One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Like a Pro

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces—this helps it cook evenly and quickly. Toss it with salt, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder to get that warm, smoky flavor base. Dice your onion and bell pepper into small pieces so they soften nicely during cooking. Don’t skip rinsing your black beans to keep the dish from tasting too “canned.”

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Until Golden

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook it until it’s golden all over—about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the pieces feel firm to the touch and the juices run clear. This step locks in flavor and keeps the meat juicy.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Rice

Throw in your diced onion and bell pepper, stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then, stir in your rice, black beans, and corn so everything coats evenly in those delicious pan flavors. This is when the dish starts to come together and fill your kitchen with the best aromas!

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Pour in about 1.5 cups of water or chicken broth—broth gives an even richer flavor if you have it handy. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all that tasty liquid. Resist the urge to stir too much here—just fluff it gently at the end to keep the rice fluffy, not mushy.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches

Once your rice is perfectly cooked, fluff it with a fork and immediately squeeze fresh lime juice over the whole pan. This step adds a brightness that makes every bite sing! Scatter chopped cilantro on top and add any of your favorite garnishes like avocado, cheese, or sour cream. Trust me, these little extras take it from great to unforgettable.

How to Serve One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about making this dish pop with color and flavor. Cilantro is non-negotiable for me—it gives a fresh herbal punch. I usually top with creamy diced avocado and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds wonderful creaminess too, especially if you like to balance the spice. And if you want heat, thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce finish it off perfectly.

Side Dishes

Honestly, this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl feels like a complete meal on its own, but if I’m feeding a crowd, I like to serve it alongside a light green salad or some crunchy tortilla chips for that fun texture contrast. Sometimes, I add a side of roasted sweet potatoes to keep things cozy and hearty.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I like spooning the burrito bowl into small mason jars layered with toppings—super cute and perfect for portion control! Another time, I turned it into burrito wraps by scooping the filling onto warmed tortillas with all the fixings. It’s always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so sometimes I prefer eating it as leftovers! Just be sure to add fresh garnishes when serving again to keep things vibrant.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well. I freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers to grab for busy weeknights. When freezing, I skip any creamy toppings to avoid texture changes and add those fresh after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it covered with a damp paper towel to lock in moisture. Don’t forget to toss in fresh cilantro and lime juice to brighten it back up before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable, flexible, and tastes like a fiesta in every bite. When I’m short on time but want a homemade meal that feels special, this is my go-to. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it finds a cozy spot in your weekly dinner rotation. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to impress yourself and anyone you’re cooking for!

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