A Healthy, Flavor-Packed Dinner in 30 Minutes
Looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight meal? These Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls are the perfect solution. Packed with juicy seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, rice, and all your favorite Tex-Mex toppings, this customizable dinner is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great meal prep option that stays delicious for days.
Why You’ll Love These Burrito Bowls
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy & Balanced – High in protein, fiber, and packed with vegetables.
- Customizable – Make it your own with your favorite toppings.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Store components separately for fresh bowls all week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of ½ lime (optional)
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked brown or white rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, hot sauce, salsa
How to Make Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss chicken with olive oil and seasonings. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Squeeze lime juice over the top if desired.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice and Toppings
While the chicken cooks, warm your rice and prep your toppings—chop tomatoes, slice onions, dice avocado, and rinse your beans and corn.
Step 3: Build Your Bowls
Start with a base of rice. Top with chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, onions, and any other desired toppings.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve with sour cream or salsa on the side for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even faster version.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Add Greens: Serve over shredded romaine or a bed of spinach for a low-carb version.
- Vegan Option: Swap chicken for grilled tofu or sautéed bell peppers and onions.
Meal Prep Instructions
Keep ingredients in separate containers and assemble bowls just before eating. Rice and chicken can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
FAQ: Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls
Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Absolutely. Quinoa adds extra protein and works wonderfully in these bowls.
Are these bowls freezer-friendly?
The chicken and rice can be frozen separately. Avoid freezing fresh toppings like avocado or tomatoes.
What’s a good sauce to drizzle on top?
Cilantro lime crema, chipotle mayo, or even just a squeeze of lime juice with a touch of hot sauce.
Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful weeknight meal packed with seasoned chicken, rice, beans, and fresh toppings.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lime
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed
1 cup corn kernels
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
¼ cup red onion, sliced
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Optional: sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa, hot sauce
Instructions
1. Toss chicken with olive oil and all seasonings in a bowl.
2. Heat skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 6–8 minutes until done.
3. Warm rice and prepare toppings.
4. In bowls, layer rice, cooked chicken, beans, corn, tomato, avocado, and onion.
5. Garnish with cilantro and lime juice.
6. Top with optional toppings as desired and serve.
Notes
You can substitute brown rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Store cooked chicken and rice separately from fresh toppings for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwest American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg