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Easy Flavor-Packed Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe for Healthy Meal Prep

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A quick and easy chicken burrito bowl recipe perfect for meal prep, featuring smoky marinated chicken, cilantro lime rice, and fresh toppings for a flavorful and healthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced or diced
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
  • Optional: Sour cream or Greek yogurt for dolloping

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add lime juice and toss chicken in marinade until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice and water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam for 5 minutes without lifting lid.
  3. Fluff cooked rice with a fork, then stir in lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt to taste. Set aside.
  4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Roast for 18-22 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice.
  5. Heat black beans and corn in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  6. Assemble bowls by layering cilantro lime rice, sliced chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, shredded cheese, and salsa or pico de gallo. Add sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.
  7. Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime. Cover and refrigerate if prepping ahead.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes for best flavor; resting chicken after cooking keeps it juicy. Rinse rice to remove excess starch for fluffy texture. Can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat. For dairy-free, omit cheese and sour cream or use plant-based alternatives. Freeze chicken and rice separately for best texture when freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, meal prep, healthy, easy recipe, cilantro lime rice, smoky chicken, Mexican-inspired, family dinner

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/easy-flavor-packed-chicken-burrito-bowls-recipe-for-healthy-meal-prep/