Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice & Beans

Transform your weeknight dinners with these flavorful Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice & Beans. This healthy, customizable meal combines perfectly seasoned grilled chicken with fluffy rice, protein-packed black beans, and fresh toppings for a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice & Beans offer the perfect balance of convenience and nutrition. These colorful bowls are packed with lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and fresh vegetables, making them ideal for meal prep or family dinners. The combination of zesty lime, aromatic cumin, and fresh cilantro creates authentic Mexican flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The beauty of these burrito bowls lies in their versatility. You can customize each bowl to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making them perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by omitting the cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice & Beans, gather these simple ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 fresh lime
• 2 tsp cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Bowl:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
• 1 avocado, diced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ½ cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or pepper jack)

How to Make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice & Beans

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken (15 minutes):

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a marinade
2. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them
3. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator

Cook the Rice (20 minutes):

1. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear
2. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with 2 cups water and ½ teaspoon salt
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes
4. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork

Grill the Chicken (12-15 minutes):

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat
2. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F
3. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips

Prepare the Beans:

1. Heat black beans in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste

Assemble the Bowls:

1. Divide rice among 4 bowls
2. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, black beans, and diced bell peppers
3. Add fresh avocado, cilantro, salsa, and shredded cheese
4. Serve immediately with lime wedges

Helpful Tips

For Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice & Beans:

• Chicken preparation: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking
• Rice technique: Use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water and don’t lift the lid while cooking
• Avocado freshness: Add diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning
• Meal prep friendly: Cook components separately and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Flavor boost: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished bowls

Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Difficulty: Easy

Nutritional Benefits: Each serving provides approximately 450 calories with 35g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 12g healthy fats. The combination of chicken and black beans delivers complete proteins, while the rice provides sustained energy.

Notes

• Chicken alternatives: Turkey breast or pork tenderloin work well as substitutes
• Rice variations: Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice can replace white rice
• Spice level: Adjust heat by choosing mild or spicy salsa and cheese varieties
• Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or extra beans
• Make-ahead tip: Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor penetration

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice & Beans ahead of time? A: Yes! Cook all components separately and store in the refrigerator. Assemble bowls just before serving for best texture and freshness.

Q: How long does the chicken need to marinate? A: Minimum 15 minutes, but 30 minutes to 2 hours yields the best flavor. Don’t marinate longer than 4 hours as the acid can make the chicken mushy.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover bowls? A: Reheat rice and beans in the microwave, warm chicken separately, then reassemble with fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro.

Q: Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh? A: While fresh grilled chicken provides the best flavor and texture, rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute. Simply shred and warm before adding to bowls.

Q: Are these bowls freezer-friendly? A: Rice, beans, and chicken freeze well separately for up to 3 months. Don’t freeze fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, or cheese.

Storage Instructions

Store components of your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice & Beans separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep grilled chicken, rice, and beans in separate containers to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.

For freezing, place cooled chicken, rice, and beans in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Always add fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and cheese after reheating.

Conclusion

These Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice & Beans prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming. With their perfect balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and fresh vegetables, they’re destined to become a regular feature in your meal rotation.

The customizable nature of these bowls means everyone can create their perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a casual dinner party, these burrito bowls deliver both convenience and satisfaction.

Start with this basic recipe, then experiment with different proteins, grains, and toppings to make it your own. Your family will love the restaurant-quality flavors, and you’ll love how simple they are to prepare!