Introduction
If you’re craving bold flavors and a satisfying meal that’s easy to put together, Chicken Burrito Yumm Bowls are the answer! Packed with juicy seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, creamy beans, crisp veggies, and a drizzle of irresistible sauce, these bowls offer all the goodness of a burrito—minus the wrap. They’re customizable, packed with protein, and perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a wholesome, flavor-packed bowl for yourself, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Plus, the combination of textures and spices makes every bite absolutely delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Chicken Burrito Yumm Bowls are a game-changer! Here’s why:
- Customizable – Mix and match toppings to create your perfect bowl.
- Quick and Easy – A satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy and Balanced – Loaded with protein, fiber, and fresh veggies.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
- Great for Families – Let everyone build their own bowl just the way they like it.
- Packed with Flavor – Every bite bursts with spices, creamy toppings, and fresh ingredients.
- Gluten-Free Option – Just use gluten-free toppings and seasonings!
- Budget-Friendly – Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for weeknight dinners, lunch meal prep, or even entertaining guests.
- Minimal Cleanup – Fewer dishes than making multiple burritos!
Preparation Time and Cook Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Calories per serving: Approximately 500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 38g, Fiber: 8g, Carbohydrates: 52g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
Gather everything you need for your Chicken Burrito Yumm Bowls:
the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Rice:
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 2 cups water or broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
the Bowl Base:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
Toppings (Optional):
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Jalapeño slices
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Sliced radishes
- Hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the Rice: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil. Add the rice and salt, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes until tender.
- Fluff and Season: Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and Slice: Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or cubes. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
3: Prepare the Sauce
- Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, and hot sauce (if using).
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out. Set aside.
4: Assemble the Bowls
- Start with Rice: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls.
- Add Beans and Corn: Spoon black beans and corn over the rice.
- Layer with Chicken: Place sliced chicken on top.
- Add Fresh Veggies: Scatter cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and red onion over each bowl.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Spoon the creamy sauce over everything.
- Finish with Toppings: Sprinkle chopped cilantro and any additional toppings like cheese, salsa, or jalapeños.
How to Serve
Make your Chicken Burrito Yumm Bowls even better with these fun serving ideas:
- DIY Burrito Bowl Bar – Set up all the ingredients and let everyone build their own bowl.
- Wrap It Up – Turn it into a burrito by wrapping everything in a large tortilla.
- Make it a Salad – Swap the rice for chopped lettuce for a low-carb option.
- Pair with Chips – Serve with tortilla chips for extra crunch.
- Extra Protein – Add a fried egg on top for a breakfast twist.
Additional Tips
Make the most of your Chicken Burrito Yumm Bowls with these handy tips:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken – Save time by using pre-cooked shredded chicken.
- Marinate for More Flavor – Let the chicken marinate in lime juice and spices for an hour.
- Swap the Protein – Try shrimp, beef, tofu, or even jackfruit.
- Make it Spicy – Add extra jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Keep It Fresh – Store ingredients separately and assemble just before eating.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with these fun variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Use grilled tofu or extra beans instead of chicken.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra chipotle powder or drizzle with sriracha.
- Mango Salsa Twist: Add fresh mango salsa for a sweet and spicy balance.
- Cheesy Queso Bowl: Drizzle with warm queso for extra indulgence.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and rice in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken and rice for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.
- Refrigerate:
- Store all ingredients separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Keep the sauce in a small container and add it just before serving.
- Freeze:
- Chicken: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Rice: Cool completely before freezing in portioned bags.
- Beans and Corn: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Avoid freezing fresh veggies and avocado as they don’t thaw well.
- Reheat:
- Warm rice and chicken in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
- Beans can be heated in a pan or microwave.
- Add fresh toppings after reheating.
FAQ Section
Got questions? Here are some common ones about Chicken Burrito Yumm Bowls:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store ingredients separately and assemble when ready to eat.
What’s the best rice to use?
Any rice works! Brown rice is a healthier choice, while white rice is softer and quicker to cook.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free yogurt or avocado instead of the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! Store ingredients separately and assemble when ready to eat.
What’s the best rice to use?
- Any kind works! Brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice all work well.
Can I make this without chicken?
- Absolutely! Swap for tofu, shrimp, or extra beans for a vegetarian option.
How do I make this spicier?
- Add extra jalapeños, more hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt for the sauce?
Mayo, sour cream, or even avocado works great as a base.
PrintChicken Burrito Yumm Bowls
- Total Time: 30 min.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Rice:
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 2 cups water or broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
For the Bowl Base:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
Toppings (Optional):
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Jalapeño slices
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Sliced radishes
- Hot sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the Rice: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil. Add the rice and salt, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes until tender.
- Fluff and Season: Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and Slice: Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or cubes. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, and hot sauce (if using).
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
- Start with Rice: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls.
- Add Beans and Corn: Spoon black beans and corn over the rice.
- Layer with Chicken: Place sliced chicken on top.
- Add Fresh Veggies: Scatter cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and red onion over each bowl.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Spoon the creamy sauce over everything.
- Finish with Toppings: Sprinkle chopped cilantro and any additional toppings like cheese, salsa, or jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 min.
- Cook Time: 20 min.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bowls
- Calories: 500kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 38g
Conclusion
Chicken Burrito Yumm Bowls bring all the flavors of a classic burrito into a hearty, customizable bowl. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s fresh, flavorful, and so easy to make. Give it a try and let me know how you customize yours!
Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!