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High Protein Chicken Burrito Bowls - A Filling, Flavor-Packed Meal

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • Spices: Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper
  • Acid & aromatics: 2 limes, 2 cloves garlic, 1 small red onion
  • Oil: Avocado oil or olive oil
  • Grain: 2 cups cooked brown rice or white rice (or quinoa)
  • Beans: 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)
  • Veggies: 1 red bell pepper, 1 large tomato (or 1 cup cherry tomatoes), 1 avocado, 1 cup shredded romaine or chopped lettuce
  • Fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro
  • Cheese (optional): Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija
  • Yogurt sauce: 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, pinch of salt
  • Salsa: Your favorite red or green salsa

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice: Make 2 cups cooked rice according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. For extra flavor, squeeze in a little lime and stir in chopped cilantro.
  2. Mix the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Toss with 1 tablespoon oil, then coat evenly with the spice mix. Add zest of 1 lime for brightness if you like.
  4. Sear and cook: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Rest 5 minutes, then slice or dice.
  5. Sauté peppers and corn: In the same skillet, add sliced red bell pepper and corn with a pinch of salt. Cook 3–4 minutes until slightly charred and tender. Add minced garlic in the last 30 seconds.
  6. Prep the fresh toppings: Dice tomato and red onion. Rinse and drain black beans. Chop cilantro. Slice avocado. Shred romaine.
  7. Make the yogurt-lime sauce: Stir together Greek yogurt, juice of 1/2–1 lime, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Thin with water to drizzle, if needed.
  8. Warm the beans: In a small pot over low heat, warm the black beans with a splash of water, pinch of salt, and squeeze of lime. Keep them saucy, not dry.
  9. Assemble the bowls: Add a scoop of rice to each bowl. Top with chicken, black beans, peppers and corn, tomato, onion, avocado, and romaine. Spoon over salsa and a drizzle of yogurt sauce. Finish with cilantro and, if using, a sprinkle of cheese.
  10. Adjust and serve: Taste and add more lime, salt, or salsa as needed. Serve warm.