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Easy One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe for Quick Healthy Meals

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A quick, easy, and family-approved one-pot chicken burrito bowl that combines tender chicken, seasoned rice, and fresh toppings for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup (185 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, diced jalapeños, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion, mince garlic, rinse rice and beans, and chop any toppings you want to use. This should take about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat the oil: In your large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil until shimmering.
  3. Sear the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the cumin and chili powder. Place them in the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. They don’t have to be cooked through yet, just nicely browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Toss in the minced garlic and remaining spices (cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika), stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add rice and liquids: Pour in the rinsed rice, stirring to coat it in the spices and oil. Then add the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Return chicken to the pot: Nestle the browned chicken breasts into the rice mixture, making sure they are partially submerged.
  7. Simmer with lid on: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let everything cook gently for 18-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid too often—steam is cooking the rice perfectly.
  8. Check doneness: After 20 minutes, test the rice and chicken. The rice should be tender and all liquid absorbed; chicken should register 165°F (74°C) internally. If the rice is still a bit firm, add a splash more broth and cook a few minutes longer.
  9. Finish with lime and cilantro: Remove the chicken breasts and slice them. Stir fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro into the rice mixture. Return chicken slices on top.
  10. Serve and garnish: Dish out the chicken burrito bowl with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or sour cream. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

If chicken cooks faster than rice, remove early and cover with foil to keep warm while rice finishes. Rinsing rice prevents gumminess. Keep lid closed during simmering to cook rice perfectly. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water or broth. For gluten-free or low-carb, swap rice for cauliflower rice added near the end. For dairy-free, skip cheese and sour cream or use plant-based versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, chicken burrito bowl, quick meals, healthy dinner, easy recipe, weeknight dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/easy-one-pot-chicken-burrito-bowl-recipe-for-quick-healthy-meals/