The Best Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl: A Comforting Family Favorite

Ah, the Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl — a dish that wraps me up in warmth and makes my kitchen feel like home. The aroma of grilled chicken mingling with the earthy tones of brown rice and vibrant salsa fills the air with a kind of comfort that’s hard to resist. It’s become my go-to meal for busy weeknights when I need something delicious yet simple. On those days, you might find me tossing ingredients into a bowl with a bit of a messy kitchen around me — I call it “creative cooking.”

Jump to Recipe

This recipe is perfect for those nights when your family is pulling in different directions, and you want something wholesome without spending hours slaving away. The layers of color and texture come together beautifully, making this burrito bowl equally appealing to the eye and taste buds. It’s a family favorite, no shortcuts required, although I won’t deny that I’ve reached for store-bought salsa more than once!

Background & Origin

Burrito bowls have become a popular choice in American cuisine, merging the delightful flavors of traditional Mexican fare with the convenience of a quick, healthy meal. They’ve risen to fame in recent years, especially among those looking to enjoy satisfying food while still keeping an eye on health. The beauty of a burrito bowl lies in its adaptability — you can customize it to meet your dietary needs or preferences.

This version shines with its simplicity. The key players often remain the same sweet corn, creamy avocado, and flavorful grilled chicken, along with the magic of brown rice to keep it hearty. And who doesn’t love that?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your very own Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl!

• 1 lb grilled chicken breast, sliced
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Helpful Notes:

• Ingredients at room temperature work best for even mixing.
• Avocados should be just ripe enough to be diced easily.
• Feel free to swap out ingredients, like using quinoa instead of rice or adding jalapeños for some heat—it’s your bowl after all!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the magic of creating your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl!

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, black beans, corn, and salsa. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. (It should be colorful and a little messy, but that’s part of the charm!)
2. Top with sliced grilled chicken, diced avocado, shredded cheese, and shredded lettuce. Look at those layers — so pretty!
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Just a light drizzle will do; you can always adjust later.
4. Serve in bowls and enjoy! This meal is ready to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

Beginner Tip

As you arrange your toppings, feel free to make it look as artsy or as messy as you like — it’s all going to the same delightful place!

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

• Need a flavor boost? A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top can brighten it up wonderfully!
• If you’re unsure about perfecting the textures, make sure not to overcook your chicken — it should be juicy and tender.
• Don’t skip on rinsing the black beans; it helps wash away extra sodium and improves the flavor.
• If you’re pressed for time during the week, you can meal prep the rice and chicken ahead.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ideas:

• Vegan Options: Swap grilled chicken for marinated tofu or jackfruit.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free salsa and ensure your store-bought ingredients comply!
• Kid-Friendly: Let kids build their own bowls — it’s half the fun and they can pick toppings they like.
• Low-Carb: Substitute brown rice with cauliflower rice.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl with a refreshing side of cilantro lime rice or some crispy tortilla chips for that extra crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a chilled glass of white wine or a homemade lemonade would pair beautifully.

For a cozy presentation, serve in large, colorful bowls with generous portions, topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh herbs.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

This meal is fantastic for meal prep! It lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, consider freezing the components separately. To reheat, a microwave works wonders, but give it a quick sauté on the stovetop for added texture if you have the time.

Nutrition & Health Notes

Each serving of this Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl contains a good balance of protein and fiber, ranging around 500-600 calories depending on your toppings. Feel free to lighten it up by reducing the cheese or skipping the avocado — although, let’s be real, who wants to skip that creaminess?

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl ahead of time?
  Yes! You can prepare components like rice and chicken in advance for a quick assembly later.
• How do I thicken or thin it?
  If you’re looking for a thicker bowl, add less salsa. To thin, simply mix in a little broth or extra ingredients.
• What substitutions work best?
  You can easily substitute brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Can I double or halve the recipe?
  Absolutely! Just adjust each ingredient accordingly.
• What cookware should I use?
  Most pieces in your kitchen will work, but a good mixing bowl and a nonstick pan for chicken are essential.
• Can I make it dairy-free or meat-free?
  Definitely! Opt for dairy-free cheese and choose your favorite plant protein.
• What sides go well with it?
  Any simple salad or a side of guacamole will complement this bowl perfectly.

There’s just something about making your own Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl that feels rewarding — perhaps it’s the colors, or maybe it’s knowing you whipped up a nourishing meal in mere minutes. I’d love for you to try this out, and please share your experiences with me. What unique spin will you put on your bowl? Let’s share the love of home cooking! 💚

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl

A comforting and colorful bowl filled with grilled chicken, brown rice, and vibrant toppings, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb grilled chicken breast, sliced Use fresh chicken for best flavor.
• 2 cups cooked brown rice Can substitute with quinoa.
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained Rinsing improves flavor by removing sodium.
• 1 cup corn (canned or frozen) Use sweet corn for added flavor.
• 1 cup salsa Store-bought salsa is convenient.
• 1 cup avocado, diced Use ripe avocados for easy dicing.
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) Feel free to substitute with dairy-free cheese.
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded Any type of lettuce can work.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For drizzling.
• to taste Salt and pepper Use to enhance flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, black beans, corn, and salsa. Stir until well mixed.
2. Top the mixture with sliced grilled chicken, diced avocado, shredded cheese, and shredded lettuce.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve in bowls and enjoy!

Notes

This meal can be prepped in advance and is great for meal prep. Store for 3-4 days in the fridge or freeze components separately. Substitute ingredients as needed to fit dietary preferences.