One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe
There is something truly satisfying about a meal that combines bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and easy cleanup, which is exactly why this One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe has won a very special place in my heart. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken mingling effortlessly with fluffy rice, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and just the right touch of salsa, all cooked together in one pot. It’s a colorful, comforting bowl that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or whenever you crave a quick and nutritious Mexican-inspired feast without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to meal you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward and easy to find, yet combined, they deliver a burst of flavor and a delightful mix of textures. From aromatic spices to fresh lime juice, every component plays a key role in making this dish shine.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich base for cooking chicken and enhances the overall flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Tender protein that soaks up all the spices beautifully.
- Chili powder: Brings a warm, smoky depth to the chicken seasoning.
- Cumin: Infuses a subtle earthiness essential to Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Paprika: Contributes a mild peppery sweetness and lovely color.
- Garlic powder: Offers a gentle pungency without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Delivers a savory backbone to the seasoning blend.
- Salt and black pepper: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
- Long-grain white rice: The perfect fluffy grain to soak up juices.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory notes while keeping sodium in check.
- Black beans: A protein and fiber-rich addition that adds heartiness.
- Corn (frozen or canned): Sweet kernels that provide lovely texture contrast.
- Salsa (mild or spicy): Infuses tangy, zesty flavor throughout the dish.
- Lime juice: Brightens everything up with a fresh citrus punch.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, jalapeños—choose your favorites to customize your bowl.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Adding the diced chicken to the hot oil, sprinkle on chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. This step locks in the spices and creates a deliciously savory base for the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Add Rice and Liquid Ingredients
Next, stir in the rinsed long-grain rice along with the chicken broth, black beans, corn, and your choice of salsa. Give everything a good mix, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed and the liquid starts to come to a gentle boil. This combination will cook down to absorb rich flavors while the rice becomes tender and fluffy.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let everything simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Patience here is key to getting a perfectly cooked rice base infused with all those wonderful seasonings and ingredients.
Step 4: Final Touches
After turning off the heat, keep the pot covered and let it rest for another 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and the steam to finish cooking the dish gently. When ready, fluff the rice with a fork and squeeze fresh lime juice over the entire bowl to brighten all the taste elements.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
A big part of what makes these burrito bowls so festive and fun is the opportunity to personalize with garnishes. I love adding shredded cheese for melty richness, creamy avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream for tang, chopped cilantro for freshness, and if you’re feeling bold, a few sliced jalapeños to kick up the heat. These toppings add texture, flavor, and vibrant colors to make each bowl exciting to eat.
Side Dishes
While this One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with some crunchy tortilla chips or a simple green salad can add a refreshing contrast. A side of pickled onions or a small bowl of guacamole also complements the dish beautifully, rounding out a satisfying and well-balanced dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these burrito bowls in individual mason jars for picnics or meal prep on the go. Layer ingredients creatively if you like—rice on the bottom, chicken and beans in the middle, and toppings on top for a vibrant visual appeal. Alternatively, tofu or grilled vegetables can be swapped in for chicken to create a vegetarian version that is just as tasty and colorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe is fantastic for leftovers, making it perfect for busy schedules. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will keep well for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for even tastier lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe longer, you can freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to retain freshness. When thawing, do so in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual portions until warmed through or gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the rice seems dry. This keeps your burrito bowls moist and scrumptious as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking liquid and time since it requires more water and a longer simmer. Expect about 40 to 45 minutes of cooking instead of 18 to 20 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your chicken broth and salsa are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels if you have sensitivities.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. You can also add extra beans, tofu, or roasted veggies for protein and substance.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on the salsa you choose. Using mild salsa will keep the dish very gentle, while spicy salsa or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper brings a nice kick. Adjust to your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a meal prep?
Yes, this dish is ideal for meal prepping. It keeps well refrigerated for several days and can be quickly reheated, making it a convenient and wholesome option for busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fuss-free, flavorful dinner that feels both cozy and fresh, this One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe is truly a winner. It’s an easy way to bring a little fiesta to your table with minimal effort and maximum taste. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over again as a new favorite meal!
Print
One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls are a quick, hearty, and flavorful meal loaded with seasoned chicken, rice, beans, corn, and your favorite burrito toppings—all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping ahead.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned and drained)
- 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy)
- Juice of ½ lime
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat oil and brown chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the chicken is browned but not fully cooked through.
- Add rice and liquids: Stir in the rinsed rice, low-sodium chicken broth, black beans, corn, and salsa. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer until rice cooks: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest the dish: Turn off the heat and let the pot sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the rice to finish steaming.
- Finish and serve: Fluff the rice and chicken mixture with a fork, then squeeze in the juice of half a lime. Serve the burrito bowls topped with your desired toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use hot salsa or add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- This dish stores well for up to 4 days in the fridge, making it great for meal prep and quick lunches or dinners.
- You can substitute brown rice; however, adjust the liquid amount and cooking time accordingly.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
