Print

Easy Flavor-Packed Burrito Bowl Meal Prep Recipe for Quick Lunches

easy flavor-packed burrito bowl meal prep - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick, easy, and flavor-packed burrito bowl perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights, featuring marinated chicken, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and fresh toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice or jasmine rice
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
  • Shredded lettuce or baby spinach (optional)
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack, optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Fresh lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken pieces in marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours.
  2. Rinse 1 cup rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, add rinsed rice, 2 cups water or broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  3. Heat a small drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and ground cumin, cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in black beans, season with salt and pepper, and cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to sear, then stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred. Cook in batches if needed.
  5. Fluff cooked rice with a fork. Stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil or butter, and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Divide cilantro-lime rice among meal prep containers or bowls. Add black beans and cooked chicken. Top with avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, corn, shredded lettuce or spinach, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.
  7. Serve with fresh lime wedges. If prepping ahead, keep avocado and sour cream separate until ready to eat.

Notes

Marinate chicken longer for better flavor and tenderness. Avoid stirring chicken constantly to develop better sear and flavor. Use fresh lime juice for best brightness. Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Keep avocado and sour cream separate until serving to maintain freshness. If rice is sticky, add a splash of lime juice and fluff again.

Nutrition

Keywords: burrito bowl, meal prep, chicken, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, quick lunch, easy recipe, healthy, gluten-free

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/easy-flavor-packed-burrito-bowl-meal-prep-recipe-for-quick-lunches/