Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Weight Watchers Chicken Burrito Bowl is packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with vibrant flavors, making it a fantastic low-calorie meal. The grilled chicken provides lean protein, while the rice and beans offer a wholesome base. Topped with a fresh, tangy dressing, the bowl is incredibly satisfying without being heavy. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to your liking, and it’s perfect for meal prepping or serving for lunch and dinner. Whether you’re on a weight loss journey or simply trying to eat cleaner, this burrito bowl is a great addition to your menu.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa (for a lower carb option)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season them with the spice mixture on both sides.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the rice (or quinoa) according to package instructions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing: Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- To assemble the bowls, divide the rice or quinoa between 4 bowls. Top each bowl with black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and grilled chicken.
- Drizzle the homemade dressing over the bowls, then garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Total cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Variations
- Swap the protein: Use grilled shrimp, lean ground turkey, or tofu for a different protein option.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice or quinoa and opt for a bed of lettuce or spinach instead to reduce the carb count.
- Add avocado: Top your burrito bowls with sliced avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats (this will slightly increase the Points value for Weight Watchers).
- Salsa or Guacamole: Add a spoonful of salsa or guacamole for extra flavor. Just be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching calories or WW Points.
- Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the bowls for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and bowl ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken and rice separately in the microwave. Add fresh vegetables and drizzle with dressing just before serving.
FAQs
How many Weight Watchers Points is this recipe?
The Points value depends on the specific ingredients and serving size. Generally, this dish is low in Points because it includes lean chicken, fresh veggies, and a yogurt-based dressing. Use the Weight Watchers app or website to calculate the exact Points based on your ingredients and portion sizes.
Can I make this burrito bowl ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the grilled chicken, rice, beans, and vegetables in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before using.
Can I use a store-bought dressing?
While homemade dressing is healthier and more flavorful, you can use a store-bought dressing like a low-fat ranch or a light vinaigrette. Just be mindful of the serving size to keep the Points low.
Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?
Yes! Brown rice is a great substitute for quinoa and is a filling base for the burrito bowls. Both are nutritious, whole grains.
How can I add more veggies to this dish?
Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even grilled mushrooms for more texture and flavor. Roasted vegetables also make a great addition.
Can I skip the rice or quinoa for a lower-carb option?
Absolutely! You can skip the rice or quinoa entirely or swap it for leafy greens to create a burrito bowl salad. This will lower the carb count and make the dish even lighter.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the dressing ingredients and any packaged items, like rice or beans, are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.
Can I add cheese to this dish?
Yes, you can add a small amount of cheese, like shredded cheddar or crumbled cotija, if you’d like. Just remember to account for the extra Points if you’re following Weight Watchers.
Can I use a different protein in place of chicken?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, lean beef, or even grilled shrimp. If you prefer a plant-based protein, tofu or tempeh would work well too.
Conclusion
Weight Watchers Chicken Burrito Bowls are a flavorful and nutritious meal that delivers all the taste of a classic burrito without the extra calories or guilt. With tender chicken, wholesome rice or quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a tangy yogurt dressing, this bowl is satisfying and healthy. Whether you’re following the Weight Watchers program or just looking for a light and flavorful meal, these burrito bowls will hit the spot. Plus, they’re easy to customize, so you can make them your own!
PrintTasty Weight Watchers Chicken Burrito Bowls
Weight Watchers Chicken Burrito Bowls are a delicious, healthy meal packed with tender grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, rice, and beans, all topped with a zesty homemade dressing. This light and satisfying bowl offers all the flavors of a classic burrito without the extra calories.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa (for a lower carb option)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season them with the spice mixture on both sides.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the rice (or quinoa) according to package instructions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing: Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- To assemble the bowls, divide the rice or quinoa between 4 bowls. Top each bowl with black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and grilled chicken.
- Drizzle the homemade dressing over the bowls, then garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for extra flavor.
Notes
- Swap the protein: Use grilled shrimp, lean ground turkey, or tofu for a different protein option.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice or quinoa and opt for a bed of lettuce or spinach instead to reduce the carb count.
- Add avocado: Top your burrito bowls with sliced avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats (this will slightly increase the Points value for Weight Watchers).
- Salsa or Guacamole: Add a spoonful of salsa or guacamole for extra flavor. Just be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching calories or WW Points.
- Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the bowls for some heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
