Chicken Burrito Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a complete meal in one bowl, combining protein, grains, and vegetables.

The flavors are bold and comforting, with seasoned chicken, savory rice, and fresh toppings.

It’s perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully throughout the week.

You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and add-ins.

It’s quicker and lighter than traditional burritos, without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime

Directions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions until tender and fluffy. Set aside and keep warm.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned.
4. Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until heated through.
5. To assemble, spoon rice into bowls and top with the seasoned chicken mixture.
6. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and allow it to melt slightly from the heat.
7. Finish with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Swap white rice for brown rice or cilantro-lime rice for added flavor.

Use grilled chicken instead of skillet-cooked for a smoky taste.

Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra texture and color.

Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Substitute chicken with ground beef, steak strips, or tofu for a different protein option.

Turn it into a burrito wrap by rolling the mixture in large flour tortillas.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For best results, store toppings like avocado and cilantro separately and add them fresh before serving.

Reheat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated evenly.

You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water to keep the rice from drying out.

This dish can be frozen without the fresh toppings for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well and adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Avoid overcooking and remove the chicken from heat as soon as it’s cooked through. Cooking over medium heat helps maintain tenderness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep. Prepare all components and store them separately or assembled in airtight containers.

What other beans can I use?

Pinto beans or kidney beans are great alternatives to black beans.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has mild warmth from the chili powder. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less seasoning.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and even spinach are great additions.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Simply omit the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes, grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor and works beautifully in this dish.

What toppings go well with chicken burrito rice?

Sour cream, salsa, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and sliced jalapeños are all delicious options.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze the chicken and rice mixture without fresh toppings. Store in airtight containers and thaw before reheating.

Conclusion

Chicken Burrito Rice is a simple yet satisfying meal that delivers all the bold flavors of a classic burrito in an easy-to-serve bowl. With its customizable ingredients and quick preparation time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekly meal prep. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table.

Chicken Burrito Rice

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Chicken Burrito Rice is a vibrant Tex-Mex inspired bowl loaded with seasoned tender chicken, fluffy rice, black beans, corn, and fresh toppings. This easy one-bowl meal is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, delivering bold flavor and satisfying comfort in every bite.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime

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Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions until tender and fluffy. Set aside and keep warm.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Continue cooking until fully cooked and lightly browned.
4. Stir in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through.
5. To assemble, spoon rice into serving bowls and top with the seasoned chicken mixture.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot mixture and allow it to melt slightly.
7. Top with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.

Notes

• Store toppings like avocado and cilantro separately for best freshness.
• Swap white rice for brown rice for added fiber.
• Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and texture.
• Adjust spice level by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Freeze without fresh toppings for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg