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Easy Flavorful Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep Recipe for Perfect Lunches

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A quick and easy chicken burrito bowl recipe with a smoky chipotle marinade, perfect for meal prep and packed with bold flavors and fresh toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder (or smoked paprika for milder heat)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice or brown rice
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Hot sauce or salsa

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, chipotle chili powder, cumin, oregano, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Rinse rice under cold water until clear. In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes (40-45 minutes for brown rice). Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
  4. While chicken cooks, prepare toppings: rinse black beans, chop tomatoes, dice avocado, shred cheese, and chop cilantro.
  5. Assemble bowls by dividing rice into containers or bowls. Top with chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and cilantro. Add sour cream or Greek yogurt and serve with salsa or hot sauce.
  6. Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in microwave for 1-2 minutes or enjoy cold.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for juiciness. Rinse rice before cooking for fluffiness. Add avocado fresh or with lime juice to prevent browning. For dairy-free, substitute cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives. Freeze components separately for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, meal prep, easy chicken recipe, chipotle chicken, healthy lunch, burrito bowl, quick dinner