One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Sizzling One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe for Busy Nights

Crafting a delicious one pan chicken burrito bowl takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.

Spices dance across tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a meal that satisfies deeply.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients combine with smart techniques.

You’ll adore how quickly this dish comes together without complicated steps.

Colorful bell peppers and zesty seasonings make each bite exciting and fresh.

Protein-packed and vibrant, this recipe ensures a happy dinner experience.

Grab a skillet and let’s make something seriously tasty tonight!

Best Way To Store One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining quality.
  • Transfer cooled burrito bowl to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze flat for maximum space efficiency. Stored properly, the dish will last 2-3 months without losing flavor.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm in skillet over medium heat. Add splash of water or broth to restore moisture.

One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Questions Answered

  • Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but adjust the cooking liquid and time since brown rice requires more water and a longer cooking period.

  • How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more chili powder, include diced jalapeños while cooking, or sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your spices and broth are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivity.

  • Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can chop vegetables and season chicken in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator and cook when ready to serve.

Why One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Is So Handy

  • Unleash One-Pan Magic: Skip the multiple dishes and cleanup hassle with this single-skillet wonder that combines all your favorite burrito bowl ingredients.
  • Master Quick and Nutritious Meal: Pack a protein-packed punch with tender chicken, fiber-rich beans, and colorful vegetables that deliver balanced nutrition in every bite.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Play with optional toppings like creamy avocado, zesty cheese, or spicy jalapeños to personalize your meal and satisfy diverse taste preferences.
  • Beginner-Friendly Cooking Technique: Navigate this recipe with ease using simple sautéing and simmering methods that work perfectly for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients Needed For One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main substance and flavor for the burrito bowl.
  • Black Beans: A protein-rich legume that adds texture and nutritional value to the dish.
Produce:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that provide aromatic depth and crisp texture to the burrito bowl.
  • Lime: A citrus fruit that adds bright, tangy freshness to the final dish.
  • Cilantro: A herb that offers a vibrant, fresh garnish with a distinctive flavor.
Pantry and Seasonings:
  • Rice: A classic grain that serves as the hearty base of the burrito bowl.
  • Corn: A sweet vegetable that adds color and additional texture to the mixture.
  • Olive Oil: A cooking oil used to sauté and develop flavors.
  • Salt, Cumin, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder: Spices that season and enhance the chicken's taste.
Optional Toppings:
  • Avocado, Cheese, Sour Cream, Jalapeños: Customizable additions that allow personal flavor preferences.

How To Cook One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Slice chicken into small, uniform pieces. Generously coat with a blend of salt, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.

Step 2: Chop Vegetables

Finely dice onions and bell peppers into small, consistent pieces to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution.

Step 3: Prep Bean Mixture

Thoroughly rinse and drain black beans, setting them aside for quick addition during cooking.

Step 4: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

Introduce diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness.

Step 6: Combine Base Ingredients

Mix in rice, black beans, and corn, stirring thoroughly to create a well-integrated base for the burrito bowl.

Step 7: Add Liquid and Simmer

Pour water or chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.

Step 8: Finish and Fluff

Remove from heat and gently fluff rice with a fork, creating a light and airy texture.

Step 9: Add Fresh Garnishes

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the entire dish. Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a bright, herbal touch.

Step 10: Customize Toppings

Enhance the burrito bowl with optional toppings like creamy avocado, shredded cheese, tangy sour cream, or spicy jalapeños to suit personal taste preferences.

Helpful Hints For One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

  • Boost Protein Power: Add extra protein by including grilled shrimp, tofu, or additional black beans for a more filling meal.
  • Swap Rice Alternatives: Replace white rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lower-carb or gluten-free version that still tastes delicious.
  • Control Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and cumin to match your heat preference, or add hot sauce for those who love extra kick.
  • Meal Prep Magic: This one-pan dish stores perfectly in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
  • Veggie Variety: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and add more color to your burrito bowl.

Creative Ways To Switch Up One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

  • Veggie Power Bowl: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, creating a protein-packed vegetarian version that maintains the same bold seasoning and vibrant vegetables.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Burrito Bowl: Swap rice with riced cauliflower for a low-carb alternative that keeps the Mexican-inspired flavors while reducing overall carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Southwest Turkey Bowl: Use ground turkey instead of chicken, adding extra cayenne or hot sauce for a zesty protein option that keeps the one-pan cooking method intact.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Rice Bowl: Substitute black beans with chickpeas, switch spices to oregano and za'atar, and add feta cheese for a Mediterranean culinary transformation that maintains the original recipe's simplicity.

What Goes Well With One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

  • Pair Perfectly with Zesty Citrus Margarita: Complement the chicken burrito bowl's bold Mexican-inspired flavors with a tangy citrus margarita that highlights the lime and cilantro notes.
  • Serve with Fresh Cucumber Salsa: Add a crisp, cool cucumber salsa on the side to balance the warm, spicy elements of the dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Crisp Mexican Lager: Select a light, crisp Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to cut through the richness of the chicken and enhance the meal's overall southwestern profile.
  • Create Creamy Avocado Crema: Whip up a quick avocado crema sauce to drizzle over the burrito bowl, adding extra creaminess and a luxurious texture that elevates the entire dish.
Print
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One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-41 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy “One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl” delivers Mexican-inspired comfort straight to hungry tables. Zesty rice, tender chicken, and bold seasonings combine for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Grains and Beans:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime

Toppings:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 avocado
  • Cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Transform chicken into bite-sized cubes, coating thoroughly with aromatic spices including salt, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.
  2. Precisely slice onions and bell peppers into uniform small pieces.
  3. Cleanse black beans under cool water, allowing excess liquid to drain completely.
  4. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
  5. Introduce seasoned chicken to the hot pan, cooking until exterior turns golden and interior reaches full doneness, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  6. Incorporate diced onions and bell peppers into the skillet, sautéing until vegetables soften and become translucent, roughly 3-4 minutes.
  7. Fold in rice, black beans, and corn, ensuring even distribution throughout the pan.
  8. Stream water or chicken broth into the mixture, elevating heat to generate a rolling boil.
  9. Reduce temperature to low, seal skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and allow contents to simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice absorbs liquid completely.
  10. Gently separate rice grains using a fork, creating a light, fluffy texture.
  11. Enhance flavor profile by drizzling fresh lime juice and scattering chopped cilantro across the dish.
  12. Personalize with optional garnishes such as creamy avocado, melted cheese, tangy sour cream, or spicy jalapeños to elevate the culinary experience.

Notes

  • Boost protein power by adding quinoa or extra beans for a more filling meal that keeps you satisfied longer.
  • Customize heat levels easily by adjusting chili powder or adding hot sauce for spice lovers who want a kick.
  • Transform this into a low-carb version by swapping rice with cauliflower rice, creating a lighter but equally delicious alternative.
  • Meal prep champions can make this dish ahead and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, ensuring quick and tasty lunches throughout the week.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-31 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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