Ladies, I’m about to revolutionize your meal prep game with this incredible Chicken Burrito Power Bowl! It’s everything we love about a burrito – those bold flavors, protein-packed goodness, and colorful ingredients – but in a convenient bowl that’s perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead lunches. I started making these when I realized I was spending way too much money on takeout bowls, and let me tell you, homemade is SO much better! The tender, seasoned chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy rice, creamy beans, and all those fresh toppings.
My favorite part? You can customize it exactly how YOU like it. Trust me, this power bowl will have you skipping the drive-through and diving into something that’s not just delicious but makes you feel amazing too!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These bowls are completely customizable – make them as spicy, mild, or loaded as you like!
- Perfect for meal prep – all components can be made ahead for quick weekday lunches or dinners.
- They’re packed with lean protein and fiber that keeps you satisfied for hours (no mid-afternoon snack attacks!).
- You’ll get all the flavors of your favorite burrito place without the hefty price tag or hidden ingredients.
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star protein that soaks up all those amazing seasonings.
Taco seasoning – The magical blend that gives our chicken that authentic burrito flavor.
Rice – Brown or white works beautifully as our hearty base.
Black beans – Adds protein, fiber, and that creamy texture we all love.
Bell peppers – Those colorful sweet peppers that add crunch and vitamin C.
Red onion – For that perfect zip of flavor that brightens everything up.
Corn – Sweet little bursts of sunshine in every bite.
Romaine lettuce – The fresh, crisp element that lightens the whole bowl.
Avocado – Nature’s butter! Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
Cherry tomatoes – Little jewels of juicy freshness.
Cilantro – That distinctive herb that makes everything taste authentically Mexican.
Lime – The secret ingredient that makes all the flavors pop!
Greek yogurt – My healthier swap for sour cream that still brings the creamy tang.
Shredded cheese – Because what’s a burrito bowl without that melty goodness?
Hot sauce – For those of us who like a little kick!
The full ingredient list with measurements will be available in the recipe card below.
How to Make chicken burrito power bowl
Preparing the Chicken
- First, let’s get that chicken packed with flavor! In a zip-top bag, combine your chicken breasts with olive oil, taco seasoning, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Massage the bag to coat every inch of chicken with that gorgeous seasoning. (I like to prep this the night before for maximum flavor, but 30 minutes will do in a pinch!)
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Add your chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until the outside is golden and caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes – this is crucial for juicy chicken! Then slice it into strips against the grain. Look at that beautiful seasoned crust!
Cooking the Rice
- While your chicken is cooking, prepare your rice according to package directions. Here’s my little secret: replace half the water with chicken broth and add a squeeze of lime juice and handful of chopped cilantro during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This takes plain rice from boring to “can’t stop eating it” good!
Preparing the Vegetables
- Let’s get colorful! Slice those bell peppers into thin strips and the red onion into half-moons.
- In the same skillet you used for the chicken (hello, flavor!), add a touch more oil if needed and sauté your peppers and onions until they’re tender with a slight char, about 5-6 minutes. The natural sugars caramelize and create the most amazing flavor!
- During the last minute, toss in your corn kernels just to warm them through and get a slight char. That slight smokiness takes this bowl to the next level!
Assembling Your Power Bowls
- Now for the fun part – building your masterpiece! Start with a generous scoop of that flavorful rice as your foundation.
- Arrange your gorgeous sliced chicken, sautéed veggies, black beans, and corn in sections around the bowl. This isn’t just pretty – it lets everyone mix and match flavors with each bite!
- Top with fresh ingredients – shredded romaine, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese.
- Finish with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime on the side for squeezing. For those who like heat, a few dashes of hot sauce make everything sing!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- For extra-flavorful chicken, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator. The acid from the lime juice helps tenderize the meat while the spices infuse deeper.
- If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken tossed with taco seasoning and a squeeze of lime makes a fantastic shortcut that still delivers big flavor.
- For meal prep success, store the components separately – hot items together, cold items together – and assemble just before eating to maintain the perfect texture of each ingredient.
- Don’t skip toasting your spices! Whether using packaged taco seasoning or making your own, giving the spices a quick bloom in hot oil before adding your chicken releases their essential oils and deepens their flavor dramatically.
How to Serve
These power bowls are a complete meal on their own, but there are so many fun ways to serve and personalize them!
Create a DIY power bowl bar for family dinner by setting out all the components in separate bowls and letting everyone build their own creation. This is perfect for families with different spice tolerances or picky eaters!
Serve alongside:
- Warm tortilla chips and fresh guacamole
- A simple side salad with lime vinaigrette
- Mexican street corn off the cob
- Chilled cucumber slices with chili and lime for a refreshing contrast
For entertaining, set up a pitcher of agua fresca or sparkling water with lime and mint to complement these flavorful bowls. It’s casual dining that still feels special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead
This recipe was practically designed for meal prep! You can prepare all components 3-4 days ahead of time:
- Cook and slice the chicken
- Prepare the rice
- Sauté the vegetables
- Rinse and drain the beans
- Chop the lettuce and cilantro
- Mix up a simple lime vinaigrette for drizzling
Store everything in separate containers in the refrigerator, then assemble when you’re ready to eat. I like to pack mine in sectioned containers with the cold items separated from the items I’ll reheat.
Storage
Properly stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator:
- Cooked chicken stays good for 3-4 days
- Cooked rice and beans last 4-5 days
- Sautéed vegetables keep for 3-4 days
- Cut fresh vegetables like tomatoes and avocado are best prepared just before serving
For the freshest experience, store wet ingredients (like tomatoes) separately from dry ingredients (like lettuce) to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While the complete bowls don’t freeze well, you can freeze individual components to make future meal prep a breeze:
- Cooked, seasoned chicken freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Slice after thawing for the juiciest results.
- Cooked rice can be frozen in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.
- The bean and corn mixture also freezes well for up to 3 months.
I often double the chicken portion of this recipe just to have extra in the freezer for busy weeks!
Need more healthy meal inspiration? Check out our “30 Healthy & Nutritious Everyday Meals” guide for dozens of simple, flavorful recipes that nourish your body. This Chicken Burrito Power Bowl is just one of many delicious options waiting in our complete collection!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and double up on beans, or substitute with your favorite plant-based protein like seasoned tofu or tempeh. My sister-in-law makes these with roasted sweet potatoes instead of chicken – cubed, tossed with the same seasonings, and roasted until caramelized. The natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the spices! You could also use a plant-based chicken substitute or crumbled extra-firm tofu sautéed with the taco seasoning. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for whatever protein you choose.
I’m following a low-carb diet. How can I adapt this recipe?
You can easily make this bowl keto or low-carb friendly! Replace the rice with cauliflower rice – just sauté it with the same seasonings you’d use for regular rice. You might also want to increase the avocado portion for healthy fats and limit the beans or swap them for extra vegetables. My neighbor follows a strict keto diet and loves these bowls with seasoned cauliflower rice, extra chicken, a generous portion of avocado, and all the non-starchy vegetable toppings. She says it keeps her satisfied for hours without knocking her out of ketosis!
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat level?
As written, this recipe has a medium heat level that most people find comfortable. But the beauty of these bowls is how easily you can customize the spice level! For a milder version, use a gentle taco seasoning (look for ones labeled “mild”), skip the hot sauce, and make sure to include cooling toppings like extra Greek yogurt and avocado. For heat lovers (like my husband!), add a diced jalapeño to your vegetable mix, choose a spicy taco seasoning, and finish with your favorite hot sauce. You can even prepare the base recipe mild and provide hot sauce and sliced jalapeños on the side so everyone can adjust to their preference.
Can I use different grains for the base of the bowl?
You certainly can! While rice is traditional, these bowls are amazing with quinoa for extra protein, farro for a nutty chew, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. I’ve even used a blend of brown rice and lentils for extra fiber and protein. The key is to season whatever grain you choose – that simple trick of cooking it in part broth with lime and cilantro makes such a difference! For meal prep, I sometimes make a big batch of my favorite grain blend on Sundays and use it throughout the week in these bowls and other dishes. Just remember that different grains have different cooking times and liquid ratios, so adjust accordingly.
Chicken Burrito Power Bowl
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Cutting board
- Sharp Knife
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 lime juiced
- salt to taste
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked rice white or brown
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1 red onion sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 cup romaine lettuce shredded
- 1 avocado diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- fresh cilantro chopped
- hot sauce optional
Instructions
- In a resealable bag, marinate chicken with olive oil, taco seasoning, lime juice, and salt. Let sit at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side or until internal temp reaches 165°F. Let rest, then slice.
- Prepare rice per package instructions. Optional: Use half water, half chicken broth and add lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- In same skillet, sauté bell pepper and red onion until softened and slightly charred, about 5–6 minutes. Add corn in the last minute.
- Assemble bowls: layer rice, chicken, sautéed veggies, black beans, lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, and cheese.
- Top with Greek yogurt, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add hot sauce if desired.