Print

Easy Protein-Packed Lazy Chicken Burrito Bowl

easy protein-packed lazy chicken burrito bowl - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick, healthy, and protein-packed burrito bowl made with seasoned chicken, beans, rice or quinoa, and fresh toppings. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa (about 185g cooked)
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup fresh salsa (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Juice of half a lime
  • Hot sauce or sliced jalapeños (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the base: If not pre-cooked, cook 1 cup uncooked brown rice with 2 1/2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer about 40 minutes. For quinoa, cook about 15 minutes with a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio. Fluff and set aside.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly. Cook 4-5 minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if dry.
  3. Warm the beans: Heat rinsed black beans in a small saucepan over low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt if needed.
  4. Assemble the bowl: Layer cooked rice or quinoa in serving bowls. Top with warmed black beans, then spiced chicken.
  5. Add fresh toppings: Spoon salsa over chicken, sprinkle corn kernels, chopped cilantro, and cheese if using. Add avocado slices and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Squeeze lime juice over the bowl and add hot sauce or jalapeños if desired.
  6. Final touches: Gently mix before eating to combine flavors. Adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice to taste.

Notes

Use cooked chicken to save time. Toast spices briefly for enhanced flavor. Keep toppings fresh and add avocado and sour cream just before serving to avoid browning. Reheat chicken gently to avoid drying out. Can swap rice for cauliflower rice for low-carb option. Cheese and yogurt can be replaced with dairy-free alternatives for dairy-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, protein-packed, quick meal, healthy dinner, easy recipe, meal prep, Mexican bowl

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/easy-protein-packed-lazy-chicken-burrito-bowl-recipe-for-quick-healthy-meals/